NATIONAL VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE ACCOUNT
S-6, 1998-01-22
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<PAGE>   1

    As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 22, 1998.
                                                     Registration No. 333-_____

================================================================================

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            Washington, D.C.  20549

                            -----------------------

                                    FORM S-6

               FOR REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
                    OF SECURITIES OF UNIT INVESTMENT TRUSTS
                           REGISTERED ON FORM N-8B-2

                            -----------------------

                    NATIONAL VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE ACCOUNT
                             (Exact name of trust)

                        NATIONAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
                              (Name of depositor)
                            One National Life Drive
                           Montpelier, Vermont  05604
         (Complete address of depositor's principal executive offices)

                            -----------------------

                               D. Russell Morgan
                                    Counsel
                        National Life Insurance Company
                            One National Life Drive
                           Montpelier, Vermont  05604
                (Name and complete address of agent for service)

                            -----------------------

                                    Copy to:
                             Stephen E. Roth, Esq.
                          Sutherland, Asbill & Brennan
                         1275 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
                          Washington, D.C.  20004-2404


                            -----------------------


                APPROXIMATE DATE OF PROPOSED PUBLIC OFFERING:

As soon as practicable after the effective date of the Registration Statement.


                    TITLE OF SECURITIES BEING REGISTERED:

          Last survivor flexible premium adjustable benefit variable
                           life insurance policies.

     The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such dates as
may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall file a
further amendment which specifically states that the Registration Statement
shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the
Securities Act of 1933 or until the Registration Statement shall become
effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a),
may determine.

================================================================================




<PAGE>   2
                    NATIONAL VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE ACCOUNT
                      THE NATIONAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

                Cross Reference to Items Required by Form N-8B-2

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
N-8B-2 ITEM               CAPTION IN PROSPECTUS
- -----------               ---------------------
<S>                       <C>
1                         Cover Page
2                         Cover Page
3                         Not applicable
4                         Distribution of Policies
5                         The Separate Account
6                         The Separate Account
7                         Not applicable
8                         Not applicable
9                         Legal Matters
10                        Summary Description of the Policy; Payment and Allocation of Premiums; Policy Rights; Other Policy
                          Provisions; Changes in Applicable Law, Funding or Otherwise; Voting Rights
11                        The Market Street Fund; Variable Insurance Products Fund and Variable Insurance Products Fund II;
                          Alger American Fund; Strong Variable Insurance Funds, Inc. and Strong Opportunity Fund II, Inc.;
                          Van Eck Worldwide Insurance Trust
12                        The Market Street Fund; Variable Insurance Products Fund and Variable Insurance Products Fund II;
                          Alger American Fund; Strong Variable Insurance Funds, Inc. and Strong Opportunity Fund II, Inc.;
                          Van Eck Worldwide Insurance Trust
13                        Charges and Deductions
14                        Payment and Allocation of Premiums
15                        Payment and Allocation of Premiums
16                        The Market Street Fund; Variable Insurance Products Fund and Variable Insurance Products Fund II;
                          Alger American Fund; Strong Variable Insurance Funds, Inc. and Strong Opportunity Fund II, Inc.;
                          Van Eck Worldwide Insurance Trust
17                        Surrender Privilege; Withdrawal of Cash Surrender Value
18                        The Separate Account
19                        Policy Reports
20                        Not Applicable
21                        Loan Privileges
22                        Not applicable
23                        Not applicable
24                        Not applicable
25                        National Life Insurance Company
26                        Not applicable
27                        National Life Insurance Company
28                        Officers and Directors of National Life
29                        Not applicable
30                        Not applicable
31                        Not applicable
32                        Not applicable
33                        Not applicable
34                        Not applicable
</TABLE>




<PAGE>   3
<TABLE>
<S>                       <C>
35                        Not applicable
36                        Not applicable
37                        Not applicable
38                        Distribution of Policies
39                        Distribution of Policies
40                        Distribution of Policies
41                        Not applicable
42                        Not applicable
43                        Not applicable
44                        Accumulated Value
45                        Not applicable
46                        Not applicable
47                        National Life Insurance Company, The Separate Account, The Funds
48                        Not applicable
49                        Not applicable
50                        The Separate Account
51                        Payment and Allocation of Premiums; Death Benefit; Distribution of Policies
52                        Changes in Applicable Law, Funding and Otherwise
53                        Not applicable
54                        Not applicable
55                        Appendix A - Illustration of Death Benefits, Accumulated Values and Cash Surrender Values
56                        Not applicable
57                        Not applicable
58                        Not applicable
59                        Financial Statements
</TABLE>




<PAGE>   4





                                     PART I

                       Information Required in Prospectus



<PAGE>   5



(logo)                                                               PROSPECTUS
                            Sentinel Estate Builder

LAST SURVIVOR FLEXIBLE PREMIUM ADJUSTABLE BENEFIT VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE POLICY
                                   ISSUED BY
                        NATIONAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
              One National Life Drive, Montpelier, Vermont  05604
                          Telephone: 800-537-7003

         This Prospectus describes the Sentinel Estate Builder Policy, a last
survivor flexible premium adjustable benefit variable life insurance policy (the
"Policy") offered by National Life Insurance Company ("National Life").  The
Policy has an insurance component and an investment component. The primary
purpose of the Policy is to provide insurance coverage which will provide a
death benefit on the death of the last to die of two specified Insureds.  It is
designed to provide considerable flexibility in connection with premium
payments, investment options, and death benefits.  It does so by giving the
owner of a Policy (the "Owner") the right, within limits, to vary the frequency
and amount of premium payments (after the initial premium), to allocate Net
Premiums among investment alternatives with different investment objectives and
(after the first Policy Year) to increase or decrease the Death Benefit payable
under the Policy.

      After certain deductions are made, Net Premiums are allocated to the
National Variable Life Insurance Account, a separate account of National Life
(the "Variable Account") or to the Fixed Account (which pays interest at
declared rates guaranteed to equal or exceed 4%) or both. The Variable Account
has eighteen Subaccounts, the assets of which are used to purchase shares of a
designated corresponding mutual fund portfolio (each, a "Portfolio") that is
part of one of the following funds (each, a "Fund"): the Market Street Fund,
Inc. (the "Market Street Fund"), managed by Sentinel Advisors Company, except as
to the International Portfolio, which is managed by Providentmutual Investment
Management Company, the Variable Insurance Products Fund and the Variable
Insurance Products Fund II, managed by Fidelity Investments, the Alger American
Fund, managed by Fred Alger Management, Inc., the Strong Growth Fund II and
Strong Opportunity Fund II, managed by Strong Capital Management, Inc., and the
Van Eck Worldwide Bond Fund, managed by Van Eck Associates Corporation.

         The portion of the Accumulated Value in the Subaccounts will vary with
the investment experience of the corresponding Portfolios.  The Owner bears the
entire investment risk for all amounts allocated to the Variable Account; there
is no guaranteed minimum Accumulated Value for the Variable Account, and Cash
Surrender Value may be more or less than premiums paid.

         The accompanying Prospectuses for the Funds describe the investment
objectives and the attendant risks of the Portfolios.

         The Accumulated Value will reflect the Monthly Deductions, including
the Variable Account Charge and certain other fees and charges.  Also, a
Surrender Charge may be imposed if, during the first 10 Policy Years, the Policy
lapses or is surrendered. Generally, during the first five Policy Years the
Policy will remain in force as long as the Cumulative Minimum Monthly Premium is
paid or the Cash Surrender Value is sufficient to pay Monthly Deductions imposed
in connection with the Policy.  After the fifth Policy Year, whether the Policy
remains in force depends upon whether the Cash Surrender Value is sufficient to
pay the Monthly Deductions under the Policy, unless the optional Guaranteed
Death Benefit Rider has been purchased and the Cumulative Guarantee Premiums
has been paid in accordance with such Rider.
              
         It may not be advantageous to purchase a Policy as a replacement for
another type of life insurance or as a means to obtain additional protection if
the purchaser already owns a life insurance policy. 
        
                            -----------------------

THIS PROSPECTUS MUST BE ACCOMPANIED OR PRECEDED BY CURRENT PROSPECTUSES FOR THE
FUNDS LISTED ABOVE.

                            -----------------------

PLEASE READ THIS PROSPECTUS CAREFULLY AND RETAIN IT FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.

                            -----------------------

THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR HAS THE COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY
OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

                            -----------------------

SHARES OF THE FUNDS AND INTERESTS IN THE CONTRACTS ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR
OBLIGATIONS OF, OR GUARANTEED OR ENDORSED BY, A BANK, AND THE SHARES AND
INTERESTS ARE NOT FEDERALLY INSURED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE
CORPORATION, THE FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD, OR ANY OTHER AGENCY.

                       Prospectus dated __________, 1998



<PAGE>   6


                              TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                      PAGE
<S>                                                                                                   <C>
Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Summary Description of the Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
         The Policy Offered . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
         The Variable Account . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
         Availability of Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
         The Death Benefit  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
         Flexibility to Adjust Amount of Death Benefit  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
         Accumulated Value  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
         Allocation of Net Premiums . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
         Transfers  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
         Free-Look Privilege  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
         Charges Assessed in Connection with the Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                 Summary of Policy Expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                 Premium Expense Charge   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                 Surrender Charge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                 Withdrawal Charge  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                 Monthly Deductions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                 Transfer Charge  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                 Projection Report Charge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                 Other Charges  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
         Policy Lapse and Reinstatement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
         Loan Privilege . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
         Withdrawal of Cash Surrender Value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
         Surrender of the Policy  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
         Available Automated Fund Management Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
         Optional Benefits  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
         Tax Treatment  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
         Illustrations of Death Benefits, Accumulated Value and Cash Surrender Value  . . . . . . .

National Life Insurance Company, The Variable Account, and The Funds  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
         National Life Insurance Company  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
         The Variable Account . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
         The Market Street Fund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                 The Growth Portfolio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                 The Sentinel Growth Portfolio  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                 The Aggressive Growth Portfolio  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                 The Bond Portfolio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                 The Managed Portfolio  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                 The International Portfolio  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                 The Money Market Portfolio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
         Variable Insurance Products Fund and Variable Insurance Products Fund II . . . . . . . . .
                 Equity-Income Portfolio  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                 Growth Portfolio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                 High Income Portfolio  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                 Overseas Portfolio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                 Index 500 Portfolio. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                 Contrafund Portfolio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
         Alger American Fund  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                 Alger American Small Capitalization Portfolio  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                 Alger American Growth Portfolio  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
         Strong Variable Insurance Funds, Inc.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                 Growth Fund II . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
         Strong Opportunity Fund II . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
         Van Eck Worldwide Insurance Trust  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                 Worldwide Bond Fund  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
         Termination of Participation Agreements  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
</TABLE>






<PAGE>   7


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                      PAGE
<S>                                                                                                   <C>
         Resolving Material Conflicts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
         The Fixed Account Account  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Detailed Description of Policy Provisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
         Death Benefit  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                 General  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                 Death Benefit Options  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                 Option A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                 Option B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                 Which Death Benefit Option to Choose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                 Change in Death Benefit Option . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                 How the Death Benefit May Vary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
         Ability to Adjust Face Amount  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                 Increase . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                 Decrease . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
         How the Duration of the Policy May Vary  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
         Accumulated Value  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                 Determination of Number of Units for the Variable Account  . . . . . . . . . . . .
                 Determination of Unit Value  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                 Net Investment Factor  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                 Calculation of Accumulated Value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
         Payment and Allocation of Premiums . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                 Issuance of a Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                 Amount and Timing of Premiums  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                 Premium Limitations  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                 Allocation of Net Premiums . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                 Transfers  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                 Policy Lapse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                 Reinstatement  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                 Specialized Uses of the Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Charges and Deductions  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
         Premium Expense Charge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
         Surrender Charges  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
         Monthly Deductions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                 Cost of Insurance Charge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                 Cost of Insurance Rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                 Rate Class . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                 Variable Account Charge  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                 Monthly Administrative Charge  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                 Optional Benefit Charges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
         Withdrawal Charge  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
         Transfer Charge  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
         Projection Report Charge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
         Other Charges  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
</TABLE>





<PAGE>   8


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                      PAGE
<S>                                                                                                   <C>
Policy Rights
         Loan Privileges  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                 General  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                 Interest Rate Charged  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                 Allocation of Loans and Collateral . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                 Interest Credited to Amounts Held as Collateral  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                 Preferred Policy Loans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                 Effect of Policy Loan  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                 Loan Repayments  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                 Lapse With Loans Outstanding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                 Tax Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
         Surrender Privilege  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
         Withdrawal of Cash Surrender Value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                 Option A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                 Option B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
         Free-Look Privilege  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
         Telephone Transaction Privilege  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
         Special Transfer Rights  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                 Transfer Right for Policy  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                 Transfer Right for Change in Investment Policy
         Available Automated Fund Management Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                 Dollar Cost Averaging  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                 Portfolio Rebalancing  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The Fixed Account . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
         Minimum Guaranteed and Current Interest Rates  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                 Calculation of Non-loaned Accumulated Value in the Fixed Account . . . . . . . . .
         Transfers from Fixed Account . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Other Policy Provisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                 Indefinite Policy Duration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                 Payment of Policy Benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                 The Contract . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                 Ownership  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                 Beneficiary  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                 Change of Owner and Beneficiary  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                 Split Dollar Arrangements  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                 Assignments  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                 Misstatement of Age and Sex  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                 Suicide  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                 Incontestability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                 Arbitration  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                 Dividends  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                 Correspondence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                 Settlement Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                 Payment of Interest Only . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                 Payments for a Stated Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                 Payments for Life  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                 Payments of a Stated Amount  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                 Life Annuity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                 Joint and Two Thirds Annuity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                 50% Survivor Annuity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
</TABLE>




<PAGE>   9


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                      PAGE
<S>                                                                                                   <C>
Optional Benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                 Guaranteed Death Benefit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                 Additional Protection Benefit  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                 Policy Split Option  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                 Estate Protection Rider  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                 Term Rider . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                 Continuing Coverage Rider  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                 Enhanced Death Benefit Rider . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                 Automatic Increase Rider . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Federal Income Tax Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
         Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
         Tax Status of the Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
         Tax Treatment of Policy Benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                 In General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                 Modified Endowment Contracts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                 Distributions from Policies Classified as Modified Endowment Contracts . . . . . .
                 Distributions from Policies Not Classified as Modified Endowment Contracts . . . .
                 Policy Loan Interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                 Investment in the Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                 Multiple Policies  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
         Possible Charge for National Life's Taxes  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Voting Rights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changes in Applicable Law, Funding and Otherwise
Officers and Directors of National Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Distribution of Policies  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Policy Reports  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
State Regulation  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Experts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Legal Matters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Financial Statements  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Appendix A-Illustration of Death Benefits, Accumulated Values and
         Cash Surrender Values  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   A-1

Financial Statements  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   F-1
</TABLE>


THE POLICY MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE IN ALL JURISDICTIONS.  THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT
CONSTITUTE AN OFFERING IN ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH SUCH OFFERING MAY NOT
LAWFULLY BE MADE.  NO PERSON IS AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATIONS IN CONNECTION WITH THIS OFFERING OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN
THIS PROSPECTUS.  IF GIVEN, SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS SHOULD NOT BE
RELIED ON.

THE PRIMARY PURPOSE OF THIS VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE POLICY IS TO PROVIDE
INSURANCE PROTECTION.  NO CLAIM IS MADE THAT THE POLICY IS IN ANY WAY SIMILAR
OR COMPARABLE TO AN INVESTMENT IN A MUTUAL FUND.




<PAGE>   10




                                  DEFINITIONS
<TABLE>
<S>                                         <C>
ACCUMULATED VALUE                           The sum of the Policy's values in the Variable Account and the Fixed Account.

ADDITIONAL COVERAGE                         One of the two types of coverage of which the Face Amount is comprised, which is
                                            provided by the Additional Protection Benefit Rider; the other type of coverage is the
                                            Basic Coverage.

ADDITIONAL PROTECTION BENEFIT RIDER         An optional benefit that may be included in the Policy at the Owner's option, which
                                            provides Additional Coverage.

ATTAINED AGE                                The Issue Age of the Insured plus the number of full Policy Years which have passed
                                            since the Date of Issue.

BASIC COVERAGE                              One of the two types of coverage of which the Face Amount is comprised; the other type
                                            is Additional Coverage, provided by the Additional Protection Benefit Rider.

BENEFICIARY                                 The person(s) or entity(ies) designated to receive all or some of the Death Benefit on
                                            the death of the last to die of the two.  The Beneficiary is designated in the
                                            application or if subsequently changed, as shown in the latest change filed with
                                            National Life.  The interest of any Beneficiary who dies before the last to die of the
                                            two Insureds shall vest in the Owner unless otherwise stated.

CASH SURRENDER VALUE                        The Accumulated Value minus any applicable Surrender Charge, and minus any outstanding
                                            Policy loans and accrued interest on such loans.

COLLATERAL                                  The portion of the Accumulated Value in the Fixed Account which secures the amount of
                                            any Policy loan.

CODE                                        The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

CUMULATIVE GUARANTEE PREMIUM                The sum of the Monthly Guarantee Premiums in effect on each Monthly Policy Date since
                                            the Date of Issue (including the current month), plus all Withdrawals and outstanding
                                            Policy loans and accrued interest.

CUMULATIVE MINIMUM MONTHLY PREMIUM          The sum of the Minimum Monthly Premiums in effect on each Monthly Policy Date since
                                            the Date of Issue (including the current month), plus all Withdrawals and outstanding
                                            Policy loans and accrued interest.

DAC TAX                                     A tax attributable to Specified Policy Acquisition Expenses under Section 848 of the
                                            Code.

DATE OF ISSUE                               The date on which the Policy is issued, which is set forth in the Policy.  It is used to
                                            determine Policy Years, Policy Months and Monthly Policy Dates, as well as to measure
                                            suicide and contestable periods.

DEATH BENEFIT                               The Policy's Unadjusted Death Benefit, plus any dividends payable, plus any relevant
                                            additional benefits provided by a supplementary benefit Rider, less any outstanding
                                            Policy loan and accrued interest, and less any unpaid Monthly Deductions.

DURATION                                    The number of full years the insurance has been in force; for the Initial Face Amount,
                                            measured from the Date of Issue; for any increase in Face Amount, measured from the
                                            effective date of such increase.

FACE AMOUNT                                 The Initial Face Amount plus any increases in Face Amount and minus any decreases in
                                            Face Amount.  The Face Amount is the sum of the Basic Coverage and the Additional
                                            Coverage.

FIXED ACCOUNT                               The account which holds the assets of National Life which are available to support its
                                            insurance and annuity obligations.

GRACE PERIOD                                A 61-day period measured from the date on which notice of pending lapse is sent by
                                            National Life, during which the Policy will not lapse and insurance coverage continues.
                                            To prevent lapse, the Owner must during the Grace Period make a premium payment equal to
                                            the sum of any amount by which the past Monthly Deductions have been in excess of Cash
                                            Surrender Value, plus three times the Monthly Deduction due the date the Grace Period
                                            began.
</TABLE>






<PAGE>   11
<TABLE>
<S>                                         <C>
GUARANTEED DEATH BENEFIT
RIDER                                       An optional Rider that will guarantee that the Policy will not lapse either prior to
                                            the younger Insured's Attained Age 80, or for the entire lifetimes of the Insureds,
                                            whichever is elected by the Owner, regardless of investment performance, if the
                                            Cumulative Guarantee Premium has been paid as of each Monthly Policy Date.

HOME OFFICE                                 National Life's Home Office at National Life Drive, Montpelier, Vermont 05604.

INITIAL FACE AMOUNT                         The Face Amount of the Policy on the Date of Issue.  The Face Amount may be increased or
                                            decreased after the first Policy Year.

INSUREDS                                    The persons upon whose lives the Policy is issued.

ISSUE AGE                                   The age of an Insured at his or her birthday nearest the Date of Issue.  The Issue Ages
                                            are stated in the Policy.

JOINT AGE                                   The age assigned to the Policy, based on characteristics of the two Insureds, used in
                                            the calculation of the Target Premium.  The Joint Age is set forth in the Policy.

MINIMUM BASIC COVERAGE AMOUNT               The Minimum Basic Coverage Amount is $10,000.

MINIMUM INITIAL PREMIUM                     The minimum premium required to issue a Policy.  It is equal to two times the Minimum
                                            Monthly Premium, or if the Guaranteed Death Benefit Rider applies to the Policy, two
                                            times the Monthly Guarantee Premium.

MINIMUM MONTHLY PREMIUM                     The monthly premium which, if paid, will guarantee that the Policy will stay in force
                                            during the first five Policy years.  This amount, which includes any substandard charges
                                            and any applicable Rider charges, is determined separately for each Policy, based on the
                                            requested Initial Face Amount, and the Issue Ages, sexes and Rate Classes of the
                                            Insureds, and the Death Benefit Option selected.  The premium is stated in the Policy
                                            and will be restated upon changes in coverage.

MONTHLY ADMINISTRATIVE
CHARGE                                      A charge included in the Monthly Deduction, which is intended to reimburse National
                                            Life for ordinary administrative expenses and distribution expenses.

MONTHLY DEDUCTION                           The amount deducted from the Accumulated Value on each Monthly Policy Date.  It includes
                                            the Variable Account Charge, the Monthly Administrative Charge, the Cost of Insurance
                                            Charge, and the monthly cost of any benefits provided by Riders.

MONTHLY GUARANTEE PREMIUM                   The monthly premium level which will keep the Guaranteed Death Benefit Rider in force.
                                            If the Guaranteed Death Benefit Rider applies only until the younger Insured's Attained
                                            Age 80, then the Monthly Guarantee Premium will be less than if the Owner elects to have
                                            the Guaranteed Death Benefit Rider apply for the entire lifetimes of the two Insureds.
                                            If the Guaranteed Death Benefit Rider applies to a Policy, the Monthly Guarantee Premium
                                            will be stated in the Policy.

MONTHLY POLICY DATE                         The day in each calendar month which is the same day of the month as the Date of Issue,
                                            or the last day of any month having no such date, except that whenever the Monthly
                                            Policy Date would otherwise fall on a date other than a Valuation Day, the Monthly
                                            Policy Date will be deemed to be the next Valuation Day.
</TABLE>






<PAGE>   12
<TABLE>
<S>                                         <C>
NET AMOUNT AT RISK                          The amount by which the Unadjusted Death Benefit exceeds the Accumulated Value.

NET PREMIUM                                 The remainder of a premium after the deduction of the Premium Expense Charge.

OWNER                                       The person(s) or entity(ies) entitled to exercise the rights granted in the Policy.

PLANNED PERIODIC PREMIUM                    The premium amount which the Owner plans to pay at the frequency selected.  The Owner
                                            may request a reminder notice and may change the amount of the Planned Periodic Premium.
                                            The Owner is not required to pay the designated amount.

POLICY ANNIVERSARY                          The same day and month as the Date of Issue in each later year.

POLICY YEAR                                 A year that starts on the Date of Issue or on a Policy Anniversary.

PREMIUM EXPENSE CHARGE                      A charge deducted from each premium payment which has two parts: one to cover the cost
                                            of state and local premium taxes, and the federal DAC Tax, and the other to cover
                                            distribution expenses incurred in connection with the Policies.

RATE CLASS                                  The classification of the Insured for cost of insurance purposes.  The Rate Classes are:
                                            preferred nonsmoker; nonsmoker; preferred smoker; smoker; and substandard and
                                            uninsurable.

RIDERS                                      Optional benefits that an Owner may elect to add to the Policy at an additional cost.

SURRENDER CHARGE                            The amount deducted from the Accumulated Value of the Policy upon lapse or surrender
                                            during the 10 Policy Years.  The Surrender Charge is shown in the Policy.

TARGET PREMIUM                              The premium used in the determination of the amount of the Premium Expense Charge and
                                            the Surrender Charge.  This amount is shown in each Policy and is discussed in Appendix
                                            B to this Prospectus.

UNADJUSTED DEATH BENEFIT                    Under Option A, the greater of the Face Amount or the applicable percentage of the
                                            Accumulated Value on the date of death; under Option B, the greater of the Face Amount
                                            plus the Accumulated Value on the date of death, or the applicable percentage of the
                                            Accumulated Value on the date of death.  The Death Benefit Option is selected at time of
                                            application but may be later changed.

VALUATION DAY                               Each day that the New York Stock Exchange is open for business other than the day after
                                            Thanksgiving and any day on which trading is restricted by directive of the Securities
                                            and Exchange Commission.  Unless otherwise indicated, whenever under a Policy an event
                                            occurs or a transaction is to be effected on a day that is not a Valuation Date, it will
                                            be deemed to have occurred on the next Valuation Date.

VALUATION PERIOD                            The time between two successive Valuation Days.  Each Valuation Period includes a
                                            Valuation Day and any non-Valuation Day or consecutive non-Valuation Days immediately
                                            preceding it.
</TABLE>






<PAGE>   13
<TABLE>
<S>                                         <C>
WITHDRAWAL                                  A payment made at the request of the Owner pursuant to the right in the Policy to
                                            withdraw a portion of the Cash Surrender Value of the Policy.  The Withdrawal Charge
                                            will be deducted from the Withdrawal Amount.
</TABLE>

                       SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF THE POLICY

         The following summary of the Policy provisions should be read in
conjunction with the detailed information appearing elsewhere in this
Prospectus.  Unless otherwise noted, this Prospectus assumes at least one of
the Insureds is alive.

THE POLICY OFFERED

         The Sentinel Estate Builder last survivor flexible premium adjustable
benefit variable life insurance policy offered by this Prospectus is issued by
National Life.  The Policy allows the Owner, subject to certain limitations, to
make premium payments in any amount and at any frequency.  As long as the Policy
remains in force, it will provide for:

         (1)     Life insurance coverage which will provide a death benefit on
                 the death of the last to die of two named Insureds;

         (2)     A Cash Surrender Value;

         (3)     Surrender and Withdrawal rights and Policy loan privileges; and

         (4)     A variety of additional insurance benefits.

         The Policy described in this Prospectus is designed to provide
insurance coverage to help lessen the economic loss resulting from the deaths of
the two Insureds.  It is not offered primarily as an investment.  Life insurance
is not a short-term investment.  Prospective Owners should consider their need
for survivorship insurance coverage and the Policy's investment potential on a
long-term basis.

         The Policy is called "flexible premium" because there is no fixed
schedule for premium payments, even though the Owner may establish a schedule
of Planned Periodic Premiums.  The Policy is described as "adjustable benefit"
because the Owner may, after the first Policy Year and within limits, increase
or decrease the Face Amount and may change the Death Benefit Option.  The
Policy is called "last survivor" because it pays its Death Benefit on the death
of the last to die of two named Insureds.  The Policy is called "variable"
because, unlike a fixed benefit whole life insurance policy, the Death Benefit
under the Policy may, and its Accumulated Value will, vary to reflect the
investment performance of the chosen subaccounts of the Variable Account, and
the crediting of interest to the Fixed Account, as well as other factors.

         The failure to pay Planned Periodic Premiums will not itself cause the
Policy to lapse.  Conversely, the payment of premiums in any amount or frequency
will not necessarily guarantee that the Policy will remain in force. In general,
the Policy will lapse if the Cash Surrender Value is insufficient to pay the
Monthly Deduction.  During the first five Policy Years, the Policy will not
lapse, even if the Cash Surrender Value is insufficient to pay the Monthly
Deductions, so long as the Cumulative Minimum Monthly Premium has been paid.  In
addition, if the optional Guaranteed Death Benefit Rider has been purchased, the
Policy will not lapse, either prior to the younger Insured's Attained Age 80, or
for the entire lifetimes of the two Insureds, as the Owner elects, even if the
Cash Surrender Value is insufficient to pay the Monthly Deductions, so long as
the Cumulative Guarantee Premium has been paid.  The Monthly Guarantee Premium,
and therefore the Cumulative Guarantee Premium, will be higher for Guaranteed
Death Benefit Riders which apply for the entire lifetimes of the two Insureds,
than for such Riders which apply until the younger Insured's Attained Age 80.

         A prospective Owner who already has life insurance coverage should
consider whether or not changing or adding to existing coverage would be
advantageous.  Generally it is not advisable to purchase another policy as a
replacement for an existing policy.

THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT

         The Variable Account is divided into Subaccounts, eighteen of which
are available under the Policy.  The assets of each Subaccount are used to
purchase shares of a designated corresponding Portfolio that is part of one of
the following Funds: the






<PAGE>   14
Market Street Fund, the Variable Insurance Products Fund, the Variable Insurance
Products Fund II the Alger American Fund, the Strong Variable Insurance Funds,
Inc., the Strong Opportunity Fund II, and the Van Eck Worldwide Insurance Trust.
There is no assurance that the investment objectives of a particular Portfolio
will be met.  The Owner bears the entire investment risk of amounts allocated to
the Variable Account.

AVAILABILITY OF POLICY

         This Policy can be issued for Insureds from Issue Ages 20 to 90.  The
minimum amount of Basic Coverage for a Policy is $10,000.  Before issuing a
Policy, National Life will require that the proposed Insureds meet certain
underwriting standards satisfactory to National Life.  The Rate Classes
available are Preferred Nonsmoker, Nonsmoker, Preferred Smoker, Smoker,
Substandard and Uninsurable.  An Insured may be assigned to an Uninsurable Rate
Class where he or she would not be insurable for single life coverage. (See
"Issuance of a Policy," Page ____.)

THE DEATH BENEFIT

         As long as the Policy remains in force, National Life will pay the
Death Benefit to the Beneficiary upon receipt of due proof of the death of both
of the Insureds.  The Death Benefit will consist of the Policy's Unadjusted
Death Benefit, plus any dividends payable, plus any relevant additional benefits
provided by a supplementary benefit Rider (other than the Additional Protection
Benefit Rider, the benefit from which is included in the Face Amount of the
Policy), less any outstanding Policy loan and accrued interest, and less any
unpaid Monthly Deductions.

         There are two Death Benefit Options available.  Death Benefit Option A
provides for the greater of (a) the Face Amount and (b) the applicable
percentage of the Accumulated Value.  Death Benefit Option B provides for the
greater of (a) the Face Amount plus the Accumulated Value and (b) the
applicable percentage of the Accumulated Value. (See "Death Benefit Options,"
Page ____.)

         There are two types of coverage available under the Policy - Basic
Coverage and Additional Coverage. See "Death Benefit," Page ____.

FLEXIBILITY TO ADJUST AMOUNT OF DEATH BENEFIT

         After the first Policy Year, the Owner has significant flexibility to
adjust the Death Benefit by changing the Death Benefit Option or by increasing
or decreasing the Face Amount of the Policy. (See "Change in Death Benefit
Option," Page ____, and "Ability to Adjust Face Amount," Page ____.)

         Any change in Death Benefit Option or in the Face Amount may affect
the charges under the Policy.  Any increase in the Face Amount will result in
an increase in the Monthly Deductions.  A decrease in Face Amount may also
affect the Monthly Deductions. (See "Cost of Insurance," Page ____.)

         To the extent that a requested decrease in Face Amount would result in
cumulative premiums exceeding the maximum premium limitations applicable under
the Code for life insurance, National Life will not effect the decrease.

ACCUMULATED VALUE

         The Accumulated Value is the total amount of value held under the
Policy at any time.  It equals the sum of the amounts held in the Variable
Account and the Fixed Account. (See "Calculation of Accumulated Value," Page
____.)

         The Accumulated Value in the Variable Account will reflect the
investment performance of the chosen Subaccounts of the Variable Account, any
Net Premiums paid, any transfers, any Withdrawals, any loans, any loan
repayments, any loan interest paid or credited and any charges assessed in
connection with the Policy.  The Owner bears the entire investment risk for
amounts allocated to the Variable Account.  There is no guaranteed minimum for
the portion of the Accumulated Value in the Variable Account.  Accumulated
Value in the Variable Account may be greater or less than the Net Premiums
allocated to the Variable Account.

         The Fixed Account earns interest at rates National Life declares in
advance for specific periods. The rates are guaranteed to equal or exceed 4%.
The principal, after all deductions and charges, is also guaranteed.





<PAGE>   15
The value of the Fixed Account will reflect any amounts allocated or transferred
to it plus interest credited to it, less amounts deducted, transferred or
withdrawn from it. (See "The Fixed Account," Page ____.)

         The Collateral portion of the Accumulated Value in the Fixed Account
will reflect any amounts transferred from the Variable Account and/or non-loaned
portion of the Fixed Account as collateral for Policy loans, plus interest at
rates National Life declares of at least 4%. The Collateral will be reduced by
loan repayments.  (See "Loan Privileges," Page ____.)

         The Accumulated Value is relevant to the computation of the Death
Benefit and the Monthly Deduction.

ALLOCATION OF NET PREMIUMS

         Except as described below, Net Premiums will generally be allocated to
the Subaccounts of the Variable Account and the Fixed Account in accordance
with the allocation percentages which are in effect for such premium when
received at National Life's Home Office.  These percentages will be those
specified in the application or as subsequently changed by the Owner.  Owners
of Policies may choose among all eighteen Subaccounts of the Variable Account;
however, National Life reserves the right to limit the number of different
Subaccounts used in any Policy over its entire life to 17.

           Any portion of the initial Net Premium and any Net Premiums received
during the free-look period that are designated to be allocated to the Variable
Account will be allocated instead to the Money Market Subaccount.  At the end of
such period, the amount in the Money Market Subaccount (including investment
experience) will be allocated to each of the chosen Subaccounts based on the
proportion that the allocation percentage for such Subaccount bears to the sum
of the Variable Account premium allocation percentages.  For this purpose,
National Life will assume that the free-look period ends 20 days after the date
the Policy is issued. (See "Allocation of Net Premiums," Page ____.)

TRANSFERS

         The Owner may make transfers of the amounts in the Subaccounts of the
Variable Account and Fixed Account between and among such accounts. Transfers
between the Subaccounts of the Variable Account or into the Fixed Account will
be made on the Valuation Day National Life receives the request. Transfers out
of the Fixed Account are limited to the greater of $1,000 and 25% of Accumulated
Value in the Fixed Account, and to one transfer per Policy Year.  Currently
transfers may be made without charge regardless of their frequency, and National
Life has no present intent to impose a charge for transfers in the foreseeable
future; however, National Life reserves the right, upon prior notice to Policy
Owners, to impose in the future a charge of $25 on each transfer in excess of
twelve transfers in any one Policy Year. (See "Transfers," Page ____.)

FREE-LOOK PRIVILEGE

         The Policy provides for an initial "free-look" period, during which
the Owner may cancel the Policy and receive a refund equal to the gross premiums
paid on the Policy.  This free-look period ends 10 days after the Owner receives
the Policy or at the end of such longer period provided by state law.  To cancel
the Policy, the Owner must return the Policy to National Life or to an agent of
National Life within such time with a written request for cancellation. (See
"Free-Look Privilege," Page ____.)

CHARGES ASSESSED IN CONNECTION WITH THE POLICY

        Summary of Policy Expenses.


<TABLE>
           <S>                                               <C>
           Transaction Expenses
                Premium Expense Charge (as a
                percentage of premiums paid)..............   3.40%, plus, for:
                ..........................................     Policy Years 1 to 10: 7% up to Target Premium,
                ..........................................     4% for premiums in excess of Target Premium
                ..........................................     Policy Years After Policy Year 10: 4%(1)
                Surrender Charge..........................   See below
                Withdrawal Charge.........................   Lesser of 2% or $25
</TABLE>

- ----------------------
(1) National Life reserves the right to raise the Premium Expense Charge as a
percentage of premiums paid in excess of the Target Premium to 3.40%, plus 5%.
National Life also reserves the right after Policy Year 10 to charge a Premium
Expense Charge of up to the maximum permitted during the first 10 Policy Years.

<TABLE>
           <S>                                               <C>
           Annual Charges
           Monthly Deductions
           Accumulated Value Charge.......................   Basic Coverage less than $1 million:         0.90%(2)
                ..........................................   Basic Coverage of $1 million to $2,999,999: 0.80%(2)
                Basic Coverage over $3 million:...........   0.75%(2)          Reduction in Accumulated Value
                Charge after Policy Year 10 to:...........   Basic Coverage less than $1 million:         0.35%(3)
                ..........................................   Basic Coverage of $1 million to $2,999,999: 0.30%(3)
                ..........................................   Basic Coverage over $3 million:              0.25%(3)
           Cost of Insurance Charge.......................   Varies by Issue Age, sexes, Rate Class, duration of the
                                                             Policy-See below
                Administrative Charge.....................   Policy Years 1 to 10: $180 plus $0.96 per $1000 of Basic
                ..........................................   Coverage per Policy Year(4)
                ..........................................   After Policy Year 10: $90 per Policy Year(5)
                Rider Charges.............................   See "Optional Benefits" on page        for charges
                ..........................................   applicable to optional Riders elected for a Policy
</TABLE>

- ----------------------
(2) The Variable Account Charge applies to Accumulated Value held in the
Variable Account. This charge does not apply to amounts held in the
Fixed Account.

(3) This reduction is not guaranteed, except as required by the state of issue.

(4) This charge is increased by $.12 per $1000 of Basic Coverage per year for
each Insured who is a smoker.

(5) National Life reserves the right to increase the annual Administrative
Charge for Policy Years after Policy Year 10 up to an amount not to exceed $180
plus $0.96 per $1000 of Basic Coverage.

           Annual Charges of Underlying Funds (for the year ended December 31,
1996):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           Management              Other                 Total
                                                           Fee, after              Expenses,             Expenses,
                                                           expense,                after expense         after expense
                                                           reimbursement           reimbursement         reimbursement
<S>                                                        <C>                     <C>                   <C>
           Alger:
                Alger American Growth Portfolio            %                       %                     %
                Alger American Small Capitalization        %                       %                     %

           Market Street Fund, Inc.:
                Money Market Portfolio                     %                       %                     %
                Bond Portfolio                             %                       %                     %
                Managed Portfolio                          %                       %                     %
                Aggressive Growth Portfolio                %                       %                     %
                International Portfolio                    %                       %                     %
                Growth Portfolio                           %                       %                     %
                Sentinel Growth Portfolio                  %                       %                     %

           Fidelity: Variable Insurance Products Fund I:
                Equity Income Portfolio                    %                       %                     %
                Growth Portfolio                           %                       %                     %
                High Income Portfolio                      %                       %                     %
                Overseas Portfolio                         %                       %                     %

           Fidelity: Variable Insurance Products Fund II:
                Index 500 Portfolio                        %                       %                     %
                Contrafund Portfolio                       %                       %                     %

           Strong Variable Insurance Funds, Inc.
                Growth Fund II                             %                       %                     %

           Strong Opportunity Fund II                      %                       %                     %

           Van Eck Worldwide Insurance Trust
                Worldwide Bond Fund                        %                       %                     %
</TABLE>

        National Life has agreed to reimburse a portion of the expenses of the
Sentinel Growth Portfolio.  Without this reimbursement the Sentinel Growth
Portfolio's management fee, other expenses and total expenses would have been
_____%, _____% and _____$ respectively.

        Fidelity Investments agreed to reimburse a portion of Index 500
Portfolios expenses during the period.  Without this reimbursement, the funds
management fee, other expenses and total expenses would have been _____%,
_____% and _____% respectively.

        Strong Capital Management, Inc. has agreed to reimburse a portion of
the expenses of the Growth Fund II Portfolio.  Without this reimbursement the
management fee, other expenses and total expenses of the Growth Fund II
Portfolio would have been ____%, ____% and ____% respectively.

        Premium Expense Charge.  A Premium Expense Charge will be deducted from
each premium payment, which includes a charge in the amount of 3.40% of each
premium, to cover the cost of state and local premium taxes, and the federal DAC
Tax.  National Life reserves the right to change the amount of the charge






<PAGE>   16
deducted from future premiums if the applicable law is changed.  (See "Premium
Expense Charge," Page ____.)

         The Premium Expense Charge will also include, during the first 10
Policy Years, a deduction of 7.0% of each premium paid up to the Target Premium,
and 4.0% of premiums paid in excess of the Target Premium, from each premium
payment prior to allocation of Net Premiums, to compensate National Life for the
expenses incurred in distributing the Policies, including commissions to selling
agents. National Life reserves the right to increase the charge for premiums in
excess of the Target Premium from 4.0% to 5.0% of such premiums.  National Life
currently intends to reduce this deduction from premiums paid after the tenth
Policy Anniversary to 4.0% of all premiums, although it reserves the right to
make a deduction of up to the maximum permitted during the first ten years.

         Surrender Charge.  A Surrender Charge is imposed if the Policy is
surrendered or lapses at any time before the end of the tenth Policy Year, or
the ten years after an increase in the Basic Coverage.  The Surrender Charge
will initially be equal to the Policy's Target Premium.  The Surrender Charge
will be level for the first five Policy Years, and then decline linearly by
month until it is zero at the beginning of Policy Year 11.  For increases, the
Surrender Charge will initially be the Target Premium associated with the
increase.  It will be level for five years from the date of the increase, and
then decline linearly by month until it is zero at the beginning of the eleventh
year after the date of the increase.  The Surrender Charge will not decrease in
the event of a decrease in Basic Coverage.  (See "Surrender Charge," Page __.)

         Withdrawal Charge.  A charge equal to the lesser of 2% of the amount
withdrawn or $25 will be deducted from each Withdrawal amount paid. (See
"Withdrawal Charge," Page __.)

         Monthly Deductions.  On the Date of Issue and on each Monthly Policy
Date thereafter, the Accumulated Value will be reduced by a Monthly Deduction
equal to the sum of the monthly Cost of Insurance Charge, Variable Account
Charge, Monthly Administrative Charge, and a charge for any additional benefits
added by rider. The monthly Cost of Insurance Charge will be determined by
multiplying the Net Amount at Risk (that is, the Unadjusted Death Benefit less
Accumulated Value) by the applicable cost of insurance rate(s), which will
depend upon the Issue Ages, sexes, and Rate Classes of the Insureds, the
Duration of the Policy, whether the coverage is Basic Coverage or Additional
Coverage, and on National Life's expectations as to future mortality and expense
experience, but which will not exceed the guaranteed maximum cost of insurance
rates set forth in the Policy based on the Insureds' Issue Ages, sexes,
substandard or uninsurable status, the Policy's duration, whether the coverage
is Basic Coverage or Additional Coverage, and the "1980 Commissioners Standard
Ordinary Mortality Table."  (See "Cost of Insurance," Page ____.) The Monthly
Administrative Charge is $7.50.

         The Variable Account Charge varies by the amount of Basic Coverage in
the Policy.  It is a percentage of the Accumulated Value in the Variable
Account, and does not apply to Accumulated Value in the Fixed Account.  During
the first 10 Policy Years, for Policies with Basic Coverage less than
$1,000,000, the current annual charge is 0.90%; for Policies with Basic Coverage
from $1,000,000 to $2,999,999, the current annual charge is 0.80%, and for
Policies with Basic Coverage of more than $3 million, the current annual charge
is 0.75%.  In all cases, National Life reserves the right to increase this
charge to an amount not to exceed 0.90%.  After Policy Year 10, National Life
currently intends to reduce this charge to the following rates: for Policies
with Basic Coverage of less than $1 million, an annual charge of 0.35%; for
Policies with Basic Coverage from $1,000,000 to $2,999,999, an annual charge of
0.30%, and for Policies with Basic Coverage of more than $3 million, an annual
charge of 0.25%.  However, National Life reserves the right to continue to
charge a Variable Account Charge in an annual amount up to 0.90% after Policy
Year 10. (See "Variable Account Charge, page      ).

         The Monthly Administrative Charge during the first 10 Policy Years is
$15.00 plus $0.08 per $1000 of Basic Coverage.  This charge is increased during
the first ten Policy Years by $.01 per $1000 of Basic Coverage for each Insured
who is a smoker.  After the end of Policy Year 10, National Life currently
intends to assess a reduced Monthly Administrative Charge of $7.50, with no
additional amount per $1000 of Basic Coverage, but National Life reserves the
right to increase the Monthly Administrative Charge after Policy Year 10 to an
amount not to exceed $15 plus $0.08 per $1000 of Basic Coverage.  (See
"Monthly Administrative Charge," Page __.)

     Transfer Charge.  Currently an unlimited number of transfers are permitted
in each Policy Year without charge, and National Life has no current intent to
impose a transfer charge in the foreseeable future; however, National Life
reserves the right to impose in the future a charge of $25 for each transfer in
excess of five transfers in any one Policy Year.  (See "Transfer Charge," Page
____.)






<PAGE>   17
     Projection Report Charge.  National Life may impose a charge for each
projection report requested by the Owner.  (See "Projection Report Charge, Page
___.)


     Other Charges.  Shares of the Portfolios are purchased by the Variable
Account at net asset value, which reflects management fees and expenses
deducted from the assets of the Portfolios.  These management fees and expenses
are shown above under "Annual Charges of Underlying Funds."

POLICY LAPSE AND REINSTATEMENT

   During the first five Policy Years, the Policy will not lapse if premiums in
an amount at least equal to the Cumulative Minimum Monthly Premium have been
paid, regardless of the amount of Cash Surrender Value.  If, however, total
premiums paid are less than the Cumulative Minimum Monthly Premium, and the Cash
Surrender Value on a Monthly Processing Date is insufficient to cover the
Monthly Deduction then due, the Policy will lapse after a 61-day Grace Period
unless a sufficient premium has been paid.

     An optional Guaranteed Death Benefit Rider is available which will
guarantee that the Policy will not lapse, either prior to the younger Insured's
Attained Age 80, or for the entire lifetimes of the two Insureds, as the Owner
elects regardless of investment performance, if total premiums paid are at least
equal to the Cumulative Guarantee Premium.  (See "Optional Benefits - Guaranteed
Death Benefit," Page ___.)

     Subject to certain conditions, including evidence of insurability
satisfactory to National Life and the payment of a sufficient premium, a Policy
may be reinstated at any time within five years (or such longer period as may
be required in a particular state) after the beginning of the Grace Period.
(See "Reinstatement," Page ____.)

LOAN PRIVILEGE

         After the first Policy Year, the Owner may obtain Policy loans in an
amount not exceeding, in the aggregate, the Cash Surrender Value less three
Monthly Deductions.

         Policy loans will bear interest at a fixed rate of 6% per year,
payable at the end of each Policy Year.  At the end of the Policy Year, the loan
itself will be added to the outstanding loan balance.  Any payments made by the
Owner to cover loan interest will be applied to the repayment of the outstanding
loan balance.  Policy loans may be repaid at any time and in any amount.
Policy loans outstanding when the Death Benefit becomes payable or the Policy is
surrendered will be deducted from the proceeds otherwise payable.

         When a Policy loan is taken, Accumulated Value will be held in the
Fixed Account as Collateral for the Policy loan.  Accumulated Value is taken
from  the Subaccounts of the Variable Account based on the instructions of the
Owner at the time a loan is taken.  If specific allocation instructions have
not been received from the Owner, the Policy loan will be allocated to the
Subaccounts based on the proportion that each Subaccount's value bears to the
total Accumulated Value in the Variable Account.  If the Accumulated Value in
one or more of the Subaccounts is insufficient to carry out the Owner's
instructions, the loan will not be processed until further instructions are
received from the Owner.  Accumulated Value will be taken from the non-loaned
portion of the Fixed Account as Collateral for a loan only to the extent that
the Accumulated Value in the Variable Account is insufficient.  This amount
held in the Fixed Account as Collateral will earn interest at an effective
annual rate National Life will determine prior to each calendar year.  This
rate will not be less than 4%, however






<PAGE>   18
National Life currently intends, but is not obligated to continue, to make
preferred loans available beginning in Policy Year 11.  For such Policy loans
the interest rate charged will be 4.25%, and the amount held in the Fixed
Account as Collateral will be credited with interest at an annual rate of 4.0%.
However, National Life is not obligated to continue to make preferred loans
available, and will make such loans available in its sole discretion.  (See
"Loan Privileges," Page ____.)

         Depending upon the investment performance of Cash Surrender Value and
the amount of a Policy loan, the loan may cause a Policy to lapse.  If a Policy
is not a Modified Endowment Contract, lapse of the Policy with Policy loans
outstanding may result in adverse tax consequences. (See "Tax Treatment of
Policy Benefits," Page ____.)

WITHDRAWAL OF CASH SURRENDER VALUE

         After the first Policy Anniversary, the Owner may, subject to certain
restrictions, request a Withdrawal of Cash Surrender Value.  The minimum amount
for such Withdrawal is $500 and the maximum is the Cash Surrender Value minus
three Monthly Deductions.  The Withdrawal amount will be taken from the
Subaccounts of the Variable Account based on instructions provided by the Owner
at the time of the Withdrawal.  If specific allocation instructions have not
been received from the Owner, the Withdrawal will be allocated to the
Subaccounts based on the proportion that the value in each account bears to the
total  Accumulated Value in the Variable Account.  If the Accumulated Value in
one or more Subaccounts is insufficient to carry out the Owner's instructions,
the Withdrawal will not be processed until further instructions are received
from the Owner. Withdrawal amounts will be taken from the Fixed Account only to
the extent that the Accumulated Value in the Variable Account is insufficient.
If Death Benefit Option A is in effect, National Life will reduce the Face
Amount by an amount equal to the lesser of (a) the amount of the withdrawal and
(b) the excess of the Face Amount divided by the applicable percentage over the
Accumulated Value just after the Withdrawal, but in any case not less than zero.
(See "Withdrawal of Cash Surrender Value," Page ____.)

     A Withdrawal Charge will be deducted from the amount of each Withdrawal.
(See "Charges and Deductions - Withdrawal Charge," Page ____.)

     If a requested Withdrawal would reduce the Basic Coverage below the Minimum
Basic Coverage Amount, the Withdrawal will not be allowed.

SURRENDER OF THE POLICY

         The Owner may at any time fully surrender the Policy and receive the
Cash Surrender Value, if any.  The Cash Surrender Value will equal the
Accumulated Value less any Policy loan with accrued interest and any applicable
Surrender Charge. (See "Surrender Privilege," Page ____.)

AVAILABLE AUTOMATED FUND MANAGEMENT FEATURES

     National Life currently offers, at no charge to Policyowners,  two
automated fund management programs, Dollar Cost Averaging and Portfolio
Rebalancing.  (For a description of these features, see "Contract Rights -
Available Automated Fund Management Features," Page ____.)

OPTIONAL BENEFITS

     Several optional benefits are available in connection with the Policies,
including the Guaranteed Death Benefit Rider, the Additional Protection Benefit
Rider, the Policy Split Option, the Estate Preservation Rider, the Term Rider,
the Continuing Coverage Rider, the Enhanced Death Benefit Rider and the
Automatic Increase Rider. (See "Optional Benefits", page    .)

TAX TREATMENT

     Under current federal tax law, life insurance contracts receive
tax-favored treatment.  Assuming that a Policy qualifies as a life insurance
contract for federal income tax purposes, an Owner should not be taxed on any
increase in Cash Surrender Value while the Policy remains in force.






<PAGE>   19
Moreover, death benefits payable under a Policy should be completely excludable
from the gross income of the Beneficiary.  As a result, the Beneficiary
generally should not be taxed on these proceeds. (See "Tax Status of the
Policy," Page ____.)

         Under certain circumstances, a Policy may be treated as a "Modified
Endowment Contract." If the Policy is a Modified Endowment Contract, then all
pre-death distributions, including Policy loans, will be treated first as a
distribution of taxable income and then as a return of basis or investment in
the contract.  In addition, prior to age 59 1/2 any such distributions
generally will be subject to a 10% penalty tax. (For further discussion on the
circumstances under which a Policy will be treated as a Modified Endowment
Contract, See "Tax Treatment of Policy Benefits," Page ____.)

         If the Policy is not a Modified Endowment Contract, distributions
generally will be treated first as a return of basis or investment in the
contract and then as disbursing taxable income.  Moreover, loans will not be
treated as distributions.  Finally, neither distributions nor loans from a
Policy that is not a Modified Endowment Contract are subject to the 10% penalty
tax. (See "Distributions from Policies Not Classified as Modified Endowment
Contracts," Page ____.)

         Generally, the proceeds of the Policy are includible in the gross
estate of the Insured if the Insured possess any "incidents of ownership" over
the Policy at death. "Incidents of ownership" generally includes the right to
receive economic benefits of the Policy as defined in Section 2042 of the Code
and applicable Treasury regulations. If the Insured never held incidents of
ownership over the Policy, or irrevocably transferred all interests in the
Policy to a third party (e.g., an irrevocable life insurance trust) more than
three years before death, the proceeds should be excluded from the Insured's
gross estate.

ILLUSTRATIONS OF DEATH BENEFITS, ACCUMULATED VALUE AND CASH SURRENDER VALUE

         Illustrations of how investment performance of the Variable Account
may cause the Death Benefit, the Accumulated Value and the Cash Surrender Value
to vary are included in Appendix A commencing on page A-1.

         These projections of hypothetical values may be helpful in
understanding the long-term effects of different levels of investment
performance, of charges and deductions, of electing one or the other death
benefit option, and generally comparing and contrasting this Policy to other
life insurance policies. Nonetheless, the illustrations are based on
hypothetical investment rates of return and are not guaranteed. Illustrations
are illustrative only and are not a representation of past or future
performance.  Actual rates of return may be more or less than those reflected
in the illustrations and, therefore, actual values will be different from those
illustrated.


             NATIONAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY, THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT,
                                 AND THE FUNDS.

NATIONAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

         National Life, a mutual life insurance company chartered in 1848 under
Vermont law, is authorized to transact life insurance and annuity business in
Vermont and in 50 other jurisdictions.  National Life assumes all insurance
risks under the Policy and its assets support the Policy's benefits.  On
December 31, 1996, National Life's consolidated assets were over $8.3 billion.
(See "Financial Statements," Page F-1.)

THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT






<PAGE>   20
         The Variable Account was established by National Life on February 1,
1985 under the provisions of the Vermont Insurance Law.  It is a separate
investment account to which assets are allocated to support the benefits payable
under the Policies, other variable life insurance policies National Life
currently issues, and other variable life insurance policies National Life may
issue in the future.  Owners of Policies may choose among all the Subaccounts of
the Variable Account available under the Policies; however, National Life
reserves the right to limit the number of different Subaccounts used in any
Policy over its entire life to 17.

         The Variable Account's assets are the property of National Life.  Each
Policy provides that the portion of the Variable Account's assets equal to the
reserves and other liabilities under the Policies (and other policies) supported
by the Variable Account will not be chargeable with liabilities arising out of
any other business that National Life may conduct.  The portion of the Variable
Account's assets equal to the reserves and other liabilities under the Policies
may, however, be chargeable with liabilities arising from other subaccounts of
the Variable Account that fund other variable life insurance policies.  In
addition to the net assets and other liabilities for the Policies, (and
other policies) the Variable Account's net assets include amounts derived from
expenses charged to the Policies (and the other policies) by National Life which
it currently holds in the Variable Account, and may in the future include
amounts held to support other variable life insurance policies issued by
National Life.  From time to time these additional amounts will be transferred
in cash by National Life to its Fixed Account.

         The Variable Account is registered with the Securities and Exchange
Commission ("SEC") under the Investment Company Act of 1940 ("1940 Act") as a
unit investment trust type of investment company.  Such registration does not
involve any supervision of the management or investment practices or policies of
the Variable Account by the SEC.  The Variable Account meets the definition of a
"separate account" under federal securities laws.

THE MARKET STREET FUND

         The Growth, Sentinel Growth, Aggressive Growth, Bond, Managed,
International, and Money Market Subaccounts of the Variable Account invest in
shares of The Market Street Fund, Inc., a "series" type of mutual fund which is
registered with the SEC under the 1940 Act as a diversified open-end management
investment company.  The Market Street Fund currently issues eight "series" or
classes of shares, each of which represents an interest in a separate portfolio
within the Fund, and seven of which are purchased and redeemed by the
corresponding Subaccounts of the Variable Account: the Growth Portfolio, the
Sentinel Growth Portfolio, the Aggressive Growth Portfolio, the Bond Portfolio,
the Managed Portfolio, the International Portfolio and the Money Market
Portfolio.  The Market Street Fund sells and redeems its shares at net asset
value without a sales charge.

         The investment objectives of the Market Street Fund's Portfolios
eligible for purchase by the Variable Account are set forth below.  The
investment experience of each of the Subaccounts of the Variable Account
depends on the investment performance of the corresponding Portfolio.  There is
no assurance that any Portfolio will achieve its stated objective.

         The Growth Portfolio.  The Growth Portfolio seeks intermediate and
long-term growth of capital.  A reasonable level of income is an important
secondary objective.  This Portfolio pursues its objectives by investing
primarily in common stocks of companies believed to offer above-average growth
potential over both the intermediate and the long term.

         The Sentinel Growth Portfolio.  The Sentinel Growth Portfolio seeks
long-term growth of capital through equity participation in companies having
growth potential believed by its investment adviser to be more favorable than
the U.S. economy as a whole, with a focus on relatively well-established
companies.

         The Aggressive Growth Portfolio.  The Aggressive Growth Portfolio
seeks to achieve a high level of long-term capital appreciation by investing in
securities of a diverse group of smaller emerging companies.

         The Bond Portfolio.  The Bond Portfolio seeks to generate a high level
of current income consistent with prudent investment risk by investing in a
diversified portfolio of marketable debt securities.






<PAGE>   21
         The Managed Portfolio.  The Managed Portfolio seeks to realize as high
a level of long-term total rate of return as is consistent with prudent
investment risk by investing in stocks, bonds, money market instruments or a
combination thereof.

         The International Portfolio.  The International Portfolio seeks
long-term growth of capital principally through investments in a diversified
portfolio of marketable equity securities of established non-United States
companies.

         The Money Market Portfolio.  The Money Market Portfolio seeks to
provide maximum current income consistent with capital preservation and
liquidity by investing in high-quality money market instruments.

         With respect to the Growth, Sentinel Growth, Aggressive Growth, Bond,
Managed and Money Market Portfolios, the Market Street Fund is advised by
Sentinel Advisors Company ("SAC"), which is registered with the SEC as an
investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.  SAC is a
partnership whose partners are affiliates of National Life, Provident Mutual
Life Insurance Company ("Provident Mutual"), and The Penn Mutual Life Insurance
Company. National Life's affiliate is currently the managing partner of SAC and
is entitled to the majority share of SAC's profit or loss.  As compensation for
its services, SAC receives monthly compensation as follows:

          Bond Portfolio - 0.35% of the first $100 million of the average daily
     net assets of the Portfolio and 0.30% of the average daily net assets in
     excess of $100 million.

          Managed Portfolios - 0.40% of the first $100 million of the average
     daily net assets of each suchPortfolio and 0.35% of suchaverage daily net
     assets in excess of $100 million.

          Growth, Sentinel Growth and Aggressive Growth Portfolios - 0.50% of
     the first $20 million of the average daily net assets of each such
     Portfolio, 0.40% of the next $20 million of the average daily net assets
     of each such Portfolio and 0.30% of such average daily net assets of each
     such Portfolio in excess of $40 million.

          Money Market Portfolio - 0.25% of the average daily net assets of the
     Portfolio.

     With respect to the International Portfolio, the Market Street Fund is
advised by Providentmutual Investment Management Company ("PIMC"), which is
also registered with the SEC as an investment adviser under the Investment
Advisers Act of 1940, and which receives monthly compensation at an effective
annual rate of 0.75% of the first $500 million of the average daily net assets
of the portfolio and 0.60% of the average daily net assets in excess of $500
million.  PIMC has employed The Boston Company Asset Management, Inc. to
provide investment advisory services in connection with the Portfolio.  As
compensation for the investment advisory services rendered, PIMC pays The
Boston Company Asset Management, Inc. a monthly fee at an effective annual rate
of 0.375% of the first $500 million of the average daily net assets of the
portfolio and 0.30% of the average daily net assets in excess of $500 million.


    In addition to the fee for the investment advisory services, the Market
Street Fund pays its own expenses generally, including brokerage costs,
administrative costs, custodian costs, and legal, accounting and printing
costs.  However, Provident Mutual has entered into an agreement with the Market
Street Fund whereby it will reimburse the Aggressive Growth, Bond, Managed, and
Money






<PAGE>   22
Market Portfolios for all ordinary operating expenses, excluding advisory fees,
in excess of an annual rate of 0.40% of the average daily net assets of each
Portfolio.  National Life has entered into an agreement whereby it will
reimburse the Sentinel Growth Portfolios for all ordinary operating expenses,
excluding advisory fees, in excess of an annual rate of 0.40% of the average
daily net assets of such Portfolio.  With respect to the International
Portfolio, Provident Mutual has entered into an agreement with the Market Street
Fund whereby it will reimburse the International Portfolio for all ordinary
operating expenses, excluding advisory fees, in excess of an annual rate of
0.75% of its average daily net assets.  It is anticipated that these
arrangements will continue, but neither Provident Mutual nor National Life are
under any legal obligation to continue these reimbursement arrangements for any
particular period of time; if they are terminated, Market Street Fund expenses
may increase.

   A full description of the Market Street Fund, its investment objectives and
policies, its risks, expenses, and all other aspects of its operation is
contained in the attached Prospectus for the Market Street Fund, which should
be read together with this Prospectus.

VARIABLE INSURANCE PRODUCTS FUND AND VARIABLE INSURANCE PRODUCTS FUND II

     The Variable Account has four Subaccounts which invest exclusively in
shares of Portfolios of the Variable Insurance Products Fund (the "VIP Fund")
and two Subaccounts which invest exclusively in shares of Portfolios of the
Variable Insurance Products Fund II ("VIP Fund II").  Like the Market Street
Fund, the VIP Fund and the VIP II Fund are "series" type mutual funds registered
with the SEC as diversified open-end management investment companies issuing a
number of series or classes of shares, each of which represents an interest in
a Portfolio of the VIP Fund or VIP Fund II.

     The Fidelity Equity-Income Subaccount, Fidelity Growth Subaccount,
Fidelity High Income Subaccount, and Fidelity Overseas Subaccount of the
Variable Account invest in shares of the Equity-Income Portfolio, Growth
Portfolio, the High Income Portfolio, and the Overseas Portfolio, respectively,
of the VIP Fund.  The Fidelity Index 500 Subaccount and the Fidelity Contrafund
Subaccount of the Variable Account invest in shares of the Index 500 Portfolio
and the Contrafund Portfolio, respectively, of the VIP Fund II. Shares of these
Portfolios are purchased and redeemed by the Variable Account at net asset value
without a sales charge. The Variable Account purchases shares of the Portfolios
from the VIP Fund and the VIP Fund II in accordance with participation
agreements between such funds and National Life.  The termination provisions of
these participation agreements are described below.

     The investment objectives of the Portfolios of the VIP Fund and the VIP
Fund II in which the Subaccounts invest are set forth below.  The investment
experience of each Subaccount depends upon the investment performance of the
corresponding Portfolio.  There is no assurance that any Portfolio will achieve
its stated objective.

     Equity-Income Portfolio.  This Portfolio seeks reasonable income by
investing primarily in income producing  equity securities.  In choosing these
securities, the Equity-Income Portfolio considers the potential for capital
appreciation.  The Portfolio's goal is to achieve a yield which exceeds the
composite yield of the securities comprising the Standard and Poor's 500
Composite Stock Price Index.

     Growth Portfolio.  This Portfolio seeks to achieve capital appreciation.
The Growth Portfolio normally purchases common stocks, although its investments
are not restricted to any one type of security.  Capital appreciation may also
be found in other types of securities, including bonds and preferred stocks.

     High Income Portfolio.  This Portfolio seeks to obtain a high level of
current income by investing primarily in high-yielding, lower-rated,
fixed-income securities, while also considering growth of capital. The risks of
investing in these high-yielding, high-risk securities is described in the
attached Prospectus for the VIP Fund, which should be read carefully before
investing.

     Overseas Portfolio.  This Portfolio seeks long term growth of capital
primarily through investments in foreign securities.  The Overseas Portfolio
provides a means for diversification by participating in companies and
economies outside of the United States.

     Index 500 Portfolio.  This portfolio seeks to match the total return of
the Standard & Poors' Composite Index of 500 Stocks ("S&P 500") while keeping
expenses low.  Fidelity Management & Research Company ("FMR"), the VIP Fund II
Fund Manager, normally invests at least 80% of the fund's assets in equity
securities of companies that compose the S&P 500.

     Contrafund Portfolio. This Portfolio seeks capital appreciation by
investing primarily in companies that the Fund manager believes to be
undervalued due to an overly pessimistic appraisal by the public.  This
strategy can lead to investments in domestic or foreign companies, small and
large, many of which may not be well known. The Fund primarily invests in
common stock and securities convertible into common stock, but it has the
flexibility to invest in any type of security that may produce capital
appreciation.

     The Equity-Income, Growth, High Income, and Overseas Portfolios of the VIP
Fund and the Index 500 and Contrafund Portfolios of the VIP Fund II are managed
by FMR.  For managing its investments and business affairs, each Portfolio
pays FMR a monthly fee.






<PAGE>   23
     For the Equity Income, Growth, Overseas and Contrafund Portfolios, the
annual fee rate is the sum of two components:

     1.  A group fee rate based on the monthly average net assets of all the
          mutual funds advised by FMR.  This rate cannot rise above 0.52% and
          it drops (to as low as a marginal rate of 0.30% when average group
          assets exceed $174 billion) as total assets in all these funds rise.

     2.  An individual fund fee rate of 0.20% for the Equity-Income Portfolio,
          0.30% for the Growth Portfolio, 0.45% for the Overseas Portfolio and
          0.30% for the Contrafund Portfolio.

     One-twelfth of the combined annual fee rate is applied to each Portfolio's
net assets averaged over the most recent month, giving a dollar amount which is
the fee for that month.

     For the High Income Portfolio, the annual fee rate is the sum of two
components:

     1.  A group fee rate based on the monthly average net assets of all the
          mutual funds advised by FMR.  This rate cannot rise above .37%, and
          it drops (to as low as a marginal rate of .14%) as total assets in
          all these funds rise.

     2.  An individual fund fee rate of .35% for the High Income Portfolio.

   One-twelfth of the combined annual fee rate is applied to the Portfolio's
   net assets averaged over the most recent month, giving a dollar amount which
   is the fee for that month.

   On behalf of Overseas Portfolio, FMR has entered into sub-advisory
agreements with FMR U.K., FMR Far East, and Fidelity International Investment
Advisors ("FIIA").  Under the sub-advisory agreements, FMR may receive
investment advice and research services with respect to companies based outside
the U.S. and may grant them investment management authority as well as the
authority to buy and sell securities if FMR believes it would be beneficial to
the Portfolio.  FIIA, in turn, has entered into a sub-advisory agreement with
its wholly owned subsidiary Fidelity International Investment Advisors (U.K.)
Limited ("FIIAL U.K.").

         Currently, FMR U.K., FMR Far East, FIIA and FIIAL U.K. each focus on
   investment opportunities in countries other than the U.S., including
   countries in Europe, Asia and the Pacific Basin.

         Under the sub-advisory agreements FMR pays the fees of FMR U.K., FMR
   Far East, and FIIA.  FIIA, in turn, pays the fees of FIIAL U.K.

         For providing investment advice and research services the sub-advisors
   are compensated as follows:

   -     FMR pays FMR U.K. and FMR Far East fees equal to 110% and 105%,
         respectively, of FMR U.K.'s and FMR Far East's costs incurred in
         connection with providing investment advice and research services.

   -     FMR pays FIIA 30% of its monthly management fee with respect to the
         average market value of investments held by the Portfolio for which
         FIIA has provided FMR with investment advice.

   -     FIIA pays FIIAL U.K. a fee equal to 110% of FIIAL U.K.'s costs
         incurred in connection with providing investment advice and research
         services.

For providing investment management services, the sub-advisors are compensated
according to the following formulas:






<PAGE>   24
     -   FMR pays FMR U.K., FMR Far East, and FIIA 50% of its monthly
          management fee with respect to the Portfolio's average net assets
          managed by the sub-advisor on a discretionary basis.

     -   FIIA pays FIIAL U.K. 110% of FIIAL U.K.'s costs incurred in connection
          with providing investment management.

     For the Index 500 Portfolio, the fee is 0.28% per annum of its average net
assets.

     Each Portfolio utilizes Fidelity Investments Institutional Operations
Company ("FIIOC"), an affiliate of FMR, to maintain the master accounts of the
participating insurance companies.  Under the transfer agent agreement with
FIIOC, each Portfolio pays fees based on the type, size, and number of accounts
in each Portfolio and the number of transactions made by shareholders of each
Portfolio.

     Each Portfolio also has an agreement with Fidelity Service Co.
("Service"), an affiliate of FMR under which each Portfolio pays Service to
calculate its daily share prices and to maintain the portfolio and general
accounting records of each Portfolio and to administer each Portfolio's
securities lending program.  The fees for pricing and bookkeeping services are
based on each Portfolio's average net assets but must fall within a range of
$45,000 to $750,000.  The fees for securities lending services are based on the
number and duration of individual securities loans.

     FMR may, from time to time, agree to reimburse a Portfolio for management
fees and other expenses above a specified percentage of average net assets.
Reimbursement arrangements, which may be terminated at any time without notice,
will increase a Portfolio's yield.  If FMR discontinues a reimbursement
arrangement, each Portfolio's expenses will go up and its yield will be
reduced.  FMR retains the right to be repaid by a Portfolio for expense
reimbursements if expenses fall below the limit prior to the end of a fiscal
year. Repayment by a Portfolio will lower its yield.  FMR has voluntarily
agreed to reimburse the management fees and all other expenses (excluding
taxes, interest and extraordinary expenses) in excess of 1.50% of the average
net assets of the Equity-Income and Growth Portfolios.

         A full description of the VIP Fund and the VIP Fund II, the
investment objectives and policies of the Portfolios, the risks, expenses and
all other aspects of their operation is contained in the attached Prospectuses
for the VIP Fund and the VIP Fund II.

ALGER AMERICAN FUND

   The Variable Account has two Subaccounts which invest exclusively in shares
of Portfolios of the Alger American Fund. Like the Market Street Fund and the
VIP Fund, the Alger American Fund is a "series" type mutual fund registered
with the SEC as a diversified open-end management investment company issuing a
number of series or classes of shares, each of which represents an interest in
a Portfolio of the Alger American Fund.

   The Alger Small Cap Subaccount and the Alger Growth Subaccount of the
Variable Account invest in shares of the Alger American Small Capitalization
Portfolio and the Alger American Growth Portfolio, respectively, of the Alger
American Fund. Shares of these Portfolios are purchased and redeemed by the
Separate Account at net asset value without a sales charge.  The Variable
Account purchases shares of the Portfolios from the Alger American Fund in
accordance with a participation agreement between the Alger American Fund and
National Life.  The termination provisions of this participation agreement are
described below.

   The investment objectives of the Portfolios of the Alger American Fund in
which the Subaccounts invest are set forth below.  The investment experience of
each Subaccount depends upon the investment performance of the corresponding
Portfolio.  There is no assurance that any Portfolio will achieve its stated
objective.

   Alger American Small Capitalization Portfolio.  This Portfolio seeks
long-term capital appreciation by investing in a diversified, actively managed
portfolio of equity securities, primarily of companies






<PAGE>   25
with total market capitalization of less than $1 billion.  Income is a
consideration in the selection of investments but is not an investment
objective of the Portfolio.

   Alger American Growth Portfolio.  This Portfolio seeks long-term capital
appreciation by investing in a diversified, actively managed portfolio of
equity securities, primarily of companies with a total market capitalization of
$1 billion or greater.  Income is a consideration in the selection of
investments but is not an investment objective of the Portfolio.

         The Alger American Small Capitalization Portfolio and the Alger
American Growth Portfolio are managed by Fred Alger Management, Inc.  As
compensation for the investment advisory services rendered, the Alger American
Small Capitalization Portfolio and the Alger American Growth Portfolio pay Fred
Alger Management, Inc. a monthly fee at an annual rate of 0.85% and 0.75%,
respectively of the average daily net assets of the relevant portfolio.

         In addition to the fee for the investment advisory services, the Alger
American Fund pays its own expenses generally, including brokerage costs,
administrative costs, custodian costs, and legal, accounting and printing
costs.  Fred Alger Management, Inc. has agreed that it will reimburse the Alger
American Small Capitalization Portfolio and the Alger American Growth Portfolio
to the extent that annual operating expenses (excluding interest, taxes, fees
for brokerage services and extraordinary expenses) exceed 1.50% of the average
daily net assets of these Portfolios.  In recent years, the expenses of these
Portfolios have been substantially less than 1.50% of average  daily net
assets, and these agreements have not resulted in reimbursements to these
Portfolios from Fred Alger Management, Inc.

         A full description of the Alger American Fund, the investment
objectives and policies of the Portfolios, the risks, expenses and all other
aspects of their operation is contained in the attached Prospectus for the
Alger American Fund.

STRONG VARIABLE INSURANCE FUNDS, INC. AND STRONG OPPORTUNITY FUND II, INC.

         The Variable Account has one Subaccount which invests exclusively in
shares of the Growth Fund II, a series of Strong Variable Insurance Funds,
Inc., and one Subaccount which invests exclusively in shares of Strong
Opportunity Fund II, Inc. Strong Variable Insurance Funds, Inc. is a "series"
type mutual fund registered with the SEC as a diversified open-end management
investment company issuing a number of series or classes of shares, each of
which represents an interest in a Fund of Strong Variable Insurance Funds, Inc.,
and Strong Opportunity Fund II is a single series mutual fund also registered
with the SEC as a diversified open-end management investment company.

         The Strong Growth Subaccount and the Strong Opportunity Subaccount of
the Variable Account invest in shares of the Growth Fund II series of the Strong
Variable Insurance Funds, Inc., and the Strong Opportunity Fund II,
respectively.  Shares of these Funds are purchased and redeemed by the Variable
Account at net asset value without a sales charge.  The Variable Account
purchases shares of the Funds from the Funds in accordance with a participation
agreement among parties including Strong Variable Insurance Funds, Inc., Strong
Opportunity Fund II, Inc., and National Life.  The termination provisions of
this participation agreement are described below.

         The investment objectives of the Strong Funds in which the Subaccounts
invest are set forth below.  The investment experience of each Subaccount
depends upon the investment performance of the underlying Fund.  There is no
assurance that either Fund will achieve its stated objective.

         Growth Fund II.  This Fund seeks capital growth.  It invests primarily
in equity securities that the advisor believes have above-average growth
prospects.

         Strong Opportunity Fund II, Inc.  This Fund seeks capital appreciation
through investments in a diversified portfolio of equity securities.

         The Growth Fund II series of Strong Variable Insurance Funds, Inc., and
Strong Opportunity Fund, Inc. are managed by Strong Capital Management, Inc.  As
compensation for the investment advisory services rendered, the Growth Fund II
and Strong Opportunity Fund, Inc. each pays Strong Capital Management, Inc. a
monthly fee at an annual rate of 1.00% of its average daily net assets.

         In addition to the fee for the investment advisory services, the Strong
Variable Insurance Funds, Inc., and Strong Opportunity Fund II, Inc. each pays
its own expenses generally, including brokerage costs, administrative costs,
custodian costs, and legal, accounting and printing costs.  Strong Capital
Management, Inc. has agreed that it will reimburse the Growth Fund II to the
extent that annual operating expenses (excluding interest, taxes, fees for
brokerage services and extraordinary expenses) exceed 1.20% of the average daily
net assets of the Fund.

         A full description of the Growth Fund II series of Strong Variable
Insurance Funds, Inc., and Strong Opportunity Fund, Inc. their investment
objectives and policies, and the risks, expenses and all other aspects of their
operation is contained in the attached Prospectuses for the Growth Fund II and
Strong Opportunity Fund II, Inc.

VAN ECK WORLDWIDE INSURANCE TRUST

         The Variable Account has one Subaccount which invests exclusively in
shares of Van Eck Worldwide Bond Fund, a series of Van Eck Worldwide Insurance
Trust.  The Van Eck Worldwide Insurance Trust is also a "series" type mutual
fund registered with the SEC as a diversified open-end management investment
company issuing a number of series or classes of shares, each of which
represents an interest in a Portfolio of the Van Eck Worldwide Insurance Trust.

         The Worldwide Bond Subaccount of the Variable Account invests in shares
of the Van Eck Worldwide Bond Fund, of the Van Eck Worldwide Insurance Trust.
Shares of this Fund are purchased and redeemed by the Variable Account at net
asset value without a sales charge.  The Variable Account purchases shares of
this Fund from the Van Eck Worldwide Insurance Trust in accordance with a
participation agreement between the Van Eck Worldwide Insurance Trust and
National Life.  The termination provisions of this participation agreement are
described below.

         Van Eck Worldwide Bond Fund's investment objective is to seek high
total return through a flexible policy of investing globally, primarily in debt
securities.  The investment experience of the Worldwide Bond Subaccount depends
upon the investment performance of the underlying Fund.  There is no assurance
that this Fund will achieve its stated objective.

         The Van Eck Worldwide Bond Fund is managed by Van Eck Associates
Corporation.  As compensation for the investment advisory services rendered, the
Worldwide Bond Fund pays Van Eck Associates Corporation a monthly fee at an
annual rate of 1.00% of the first $500 million of the average daily net assets
of the Fund, 0.90% of the next $250 million and 0.70% of average daily net
assets in excess of $750 million.

         In addition to the fee for the investment advisory services, the
Worldwide Bond Fund pays its own expenses generally, including brokerage costs,
administrative costs, custodian costs, and legal, accounting and printing costs.
A full description of the Van Eck Worldwide Bond Fund, its investment objectives
and policies, and the risks, expenses and all other aspects of its operation is
contained in the attached Prospectus for the Van Eck Worldwide Bond Fund.

        National Life has entered into or may enter into agreements with Funds
pursuant to which the advisor or distributor pays National Life a fee based upon
an annual percentage of the average net asset amount invested by National Life
on behalf of the Variable Account and other separate accounts of National Life.
These percentages may differ, and National Life may be paid a greater percentage
by some investment advisors or distributors than other advisors or distributors.
These agreements reflect administrative services provided by National Life.

TERMINATION OF PARTICIPATION AGREEMENTS

         The participation agreements pursuant to which the Funds sell their
shares to Subaccounts of the Variable Account contain varying provisions
regarding termination.  In the case of the VIP Fund and the VIP Fund II, the
agreement provides for termination 1) upon one year's advance written notice by
any party, 2) at National Life's option if shares of the Fund are not
reasonably available to meet requirements of the Policies, 3) at the option of
National Life or the Fund if certain enforcement proceedings are instituted
against the other, 4) upon the vote of the Owners of Policies to substitute
shares of another mutual fund, 5) at National Life's option if shares of the
Fund are not registered, issued, or sold in accordance with applicable laws, if
the Fund ceases to qualify as a regulated investment company under the Code or
fails to meet certain diversification requirements, 6) at the option of the
Fund or its principal underwriter if it determines that National Life has
suffered material adverse changes in its business or financial condition or is
subject to material adverse publicity, 7) at the option of National Life if the
Fund has suffered material adverse changes in its business or financial
condition or is a subject of material adverse publicity, or 8) at the option of
the Fund or its principal underwriter if National Life decides to make another
mutual fund available as a funding vehicle for its policies.

         In the case of the Alger American Fund, the participation agreement
  provides for termination 1) upon 60 days' advance notice by either party, 2)
  at the option of the Fund or its principal underwriter, if the Policies cease
  to qualify as life insurance contracts under the Code, or if the Policies are
  not registered, issued or sold in accordance with applicable law, 3) at the
  option of any party, if the Trustees of the Fund determine that a material
  irreconcilable conflict exists, 4) at National Life's option, if formal
  proceedings are instituted against the Fund or its principal underwriter by
  the NASD, the SEC, any state securities or insurance department or any other
  regulatory body regarding the Fund's or such principal underwriter's duties
  under the agreement or related to the sale of Fund shares or the operation of
  the Fund, 5) at National Life's option, as to  a Portfolio if it fails to
  meet diversification requirements under the Code,  6) at National Life's
  option, if shares of the






<PAGE>   26
  Fund are not reasonably available to meet requirements of the Policies, 7) at
  National Life's option, if shares of the Fund are not registered, issued, or
  sold in accordance with applicable laws, or applicable law precludes the use
  of such shares as the underlying investment media for the Policies, 8) at
  National Life's option, as to any Portfolio if that Portfolio fails to
  qualify as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Code, 9)
  at the option of the Fund's principal underwriter if it determines that
  National Life has suffered material adverse changes in its business,
  operations, financial condition or prospects or is subject to material
  adverse publicity, or 10) at National Life's option if the Fund or its
  principal underwriter has suffered material adverse changes in its business,
  operations, financial condition or prospects or is subject to material
  adverse publicity.

       In the case of the Market Street Fund, the agreement provides for
  termination 1) on one year's advance notice by any party, 2) at National
  Life's option if shares of the Fund are not reasonably available to meet the
  requirements of the Policies, 3) at the option of the Fund or National Life
  if certain enforcement proceedings are instituted against the other, 4) upon
  vote of the Owners of Policies to substitute shares of another mutual fund,
  5) at the option of National Life or the Fund upon a determination that an
  irreconcilable material conflict exists between Owners of variable insurance
  products of all the separate accounts or the interests of participating
  insurance companies investing in the Fund, 6) at the option of National Life
  if it has withdrawn the Separate Account's investment in the Fund, 7) at
  National Life's option if the Fund ceases to qualify as a regulated
  investment company under the Code or fails to meet certain diversification
  requirements thereunder, or 8) at the option of any party upon another
  party's material breach of any provision of the agreement.

       In the case of the Strong Growth Fund II and Strong Opportunity Fund II,
  Inc., the agreement provides for termination 1) on six months' advance notice
  by any party, or on thirty days advance notice as of the end of each one
  year term, 2) at National Life's option if shares of the Funds are not
  registered, issued or sold in accordance with applicable law or such law
  precludes the use of such shares in connection with the Policies, 3) at the
  option of the Funds or National Life if certain regulatory proceedings are
  Instituted, and the terminating party has a reasonable belief that the
  proceedings are not without foundation and will have a material adverse
  impact on it, 4) at the option of the Funds if National Life has suffered a
  material adverse change in business, operations, financial condition or
  prospects or is the subject of material adverse publicity, 5) at the option
  of the Funds if  the Policies or other National Life variable contracts using
  the Funds are not registered, issued or sold in accordance with applicable
  law or such law  precludes the use of Fund shares in connection with the
  Policies or other  National Life variable contracts, 6) by the non-assigning
  party in the event  of an assignment, 7) at National Life's option if the
  Fund ceases to qualify  as a regulated investment company under the Code or
  fails to meet certain  diversification requirements set forth in the
  agreement, 8) at the option of  any party upon another party's material
  breach of any provision of the  agreement, or 9) as may be required by law.

       In the case of the Van Eck Worldwide Bond Fund, the agreement provides
  for termination 1) on sixty days' advance notice by any party, 2) at National
  Life's option if shares of the Fund are not reasonably available to meet the
  requirements of the Policies, 3) at National Life's option if shares of the
  Funds are not registered, issued or sold in accordance with applicable law or
  such law precludes the use of such shares in connection with the Policies, 4)
  at the option of the National Life if the Fund or the underwriter thereof has
  suffered a material adverse change in business, operations, financial
  condition or prospects or is the subject of material adverse publicity 5) at
  the option of the Funds if National Life has suffered a material adverse
  change in business, operations, financial condition or prospects or is the
  subject of material adverse publicity, 6) at National Life's option if the
  Fund ceases to qualify as a regulated investment company under the Code,
  National Life reasonably believes the Fund will fail to so qualify, or fails
  to meet the diversification requirements set forth in the agreement, or 7) at
  the option of the Fund, forty five days after National Life notifies the Fund
  that it will make new investment options available under the Policies or other
  National Life variable contracts using the Fund.

         Should an agreement between National Life and a Fund terminate, the
  Subaccounts which invest in that Fund may not be able to purchase additional
  shares of such Fund.  In that event, Owners will no longer be able to
  transfer Accumulated  Values or allocate Net Premiums to Subaccounts
  investing in Portfolios of such Fund.

         Additionally, in certain circumstances, it is possible that a Fund or
  a Portfolio of a Fund may refuse to sell its shares to a Subaccount despite
  the fact that the participation agreement between the Fund and National Life
  has not been terminated.  Should a Fund or Portfolio of such Fund decide not
  to sell its shares to National Life, National Life will not be able to honor
  requests by Owners to allocate cash values or net premiums to Subaccounts
  investing in shares of that Fund or Portfolio.

  RESOLVING MATERIAL CONFLICTS

       The Funds are available to registered separate accounts of insurance
  companies, other than National Life, offering variable annuity and variable
  life insurance policies.  As a result, there is a possibility that a material
  conflict may arise between the interests of Owners with Accumulated Value
  allocated to the Variable Account and the owners of life insurance policies
  and variable annuities issued by such other companies whose values are
  allocated to one or more other separate accounts investing in any one of the
  Funds.

         In the event of a material conflict, National Life will take any
  necessary steps, including removing the Variable Account from that Fund, to
  resolve the matter.  The Board of Directors or Trustees of the Funds intend
  to monitor events in order to identify any material conflicts that possibly
  may arise and to determine what action, if any, should be taken in response
  to those events or conflicts.  See the individual Fund Prospectuses for more
  information.

  THE FIXED ACCOUNT

         For information on the Fixed Account, see page ____.






<PAGE>   27
                   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF POLICY PROVISIONS

   DEATH BENEFIT

       General.  As long as the Policy remains in force, the Death Benefit of
  the Policy will, upon due proof of the death of both of the Insureds' death
  (and fulfillment of certain other requirements), be paid to the named
  Beneficiary in accordance with the designated Death Benefit Option, unless
  the claim is contestable in accordance with the terms of the Policy.  The
  proceeds may be paid in cash or under one of the Settlement Options set
  forth in the Policy.  (See "Payment of Policy Benefits," Page __.)  The Death
  Benefit payable under the designated Death Benefit Option will be the
  Unadjusted Death Benefit under that Death Benefit Option, increased by any
  additional benefits and any dividend payable, and decreased by any
  outstanding Policy loan and accrued interest and any unpaid Monthly
  Deductions.  The Face Amount of a Policy, on which the Unadjusted Death
  Benefit is based, may be made up of either Basic Coverage or Additional
  Coverage.  Additional Coverage is provided by the Additional Protection
  Benefit Rider.

       The Owner must notify National Life as soon as reasonably possible of
  the death of each Insured.  National Life may require proof of whether both
  Insureds are living two years from the Date of Issue.  On the death of the
  first Insured to die National Life will require the Owner to provide it with
  evidence of death and proof of age and, if the death is within two years from
  the Date of Issue, the cause of death.

         Death Benefit Options.  The Policy provides two Death Benefit Options:
  Option A and Option B. The Owner designates the Death Benefit Option in the
  application and may change it as described in "Change in Death Benefit
  Option," Page ___.

     Option A. The Unadjusted Death Benefit is equal to the greater of (a) the
Face Amount of the Policy and (b) the Accumulated Value on the Valuation Date
on or next following the date of death of the last of the two Insureds to die
multiplied by the specified percentage shown in the table below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Attained Age                               Attained Age
of Younger Insured    Percentage           of Younger Insured      Percentage
- --------------------------------           ----------------------------------
<S>                   <C>                  <C>                     <C>
40 and under          250%                 75-90                   105%
40                    215%                 91                      104%
50                    185%                 92                      103%
55                    150%                 93                      102%
60                    130%                 94+                     101%
65                    120%
70                    115%
</TABLE>

For Attained Ages of the younger Insured not shown, the percentages will
decrease by a ratable portion of each full year.

     Illustration of Option A -- For purposes of this illustration, assume that
the younger Insured is under Attained Age 40 and there is no Policy loan
outstanding.

     Under Option A, a Policy with a Face Amount of $200,000 will generally pay
an Unadjusted Death Benefit of $200,000.  Assuming the specified percentage for
a particular Policy for a particular Attained Age of the younger Insured is
250%, then, because the Unadjusted Death Benefit must be equal to or
greater than 2.50 times the Accumulated Value, any time the Accumulated Value
exceeds $80,000 the Unadjusted Death Benefit will exceed the Face Amount.  Each
additional dollar added to the Accumulated Value will increase the Unadjusted
Death Benefit by $2.50.  Thus, Accumulated Value of $90,000 for this Policy at
this Attained Age for the younger Insured will result in an Unadjusted Death
Benefit of $225,000 (2.50 x $90,000), and an Accumulated Value of $150,000 will
result in an Unadjusted Death Benefit of $375,000 (2.50 x $150,000).

     Similarly, any time the Accumulated Value exceeds $80,000, each dollar
taken out of the Accumulated Value will reduce the Unadjusted Death Benefit by
$2.50.  If at any time, however, the Accumulated Value multiplied by the
specified percentage is less than the Face Amount, the Unadjusted Death Benefit
will be the Face Amount of the Policy.

     Option B. The Unadjusted Death Benefit is equal to the greater of (a) the
Face Amount of the Policy plus the Accumulated Value and (b) the Accumulated
Value on the Valuation Date on or next following the Insured's date of death
multiplied by the specified percentage shown in the table above.

     Illustration of Option B -- For purposes of this illustration, assume that
the younger Insured is under Attained Age 40 and there is no Policy loan
outstanding.

     Under Option B, a Policy with a Face Amount of $200,000 will generally pay
an Unadjusted Death Benefit of $200,000 plus the Accumulated Value.  Thus, for
example, a Policy with a $50,000






<PAGE>   28
Accumulated Value will have an Unadjusted Death Benefit of $250,000 ($200,000
plus $50,000).  Since the specified percentage is 250%, the Unadjusted Death
Benefit will be at least 2.50 times the Accumulated Value.  As a result, if the
Accumulated Value exceeds $133,333, the Unadjusted Death Benefit will be
greater than the Face Amount plus the Accumulated Value.  Each additional
dollar added to the Accumulated Value above $133,333 will increase the
Unadjusted Death Benefit by $2.50.  An Accumulated Value of $150,000 will
result in an Unadjusted Death Benefit of $375,000 (2.50 x $150,000), and an
Accumulated Value of $200,000 will yield an Unadjusted Death Benefit of
$500,000 (2.50 x $200,000).  Similarly, any time the Accumulated Value exceeds
$133,333, each dollar taken out of the Accumulated Value will reduce the
Unadjusted Death Benefit by $2.50.  If at any time, however, the Accumulated
Value multiplied by the specified percentage is less than the Face Amount plus
the Accumulated Value, the Unadjusted Death Benefit will be the Face Amount
plus the Accumulated Value.

     At Attained Age 100 of the younger of the two Insureds (even if the
younger of the two Insureds is not then living), Option B automatically becomes
Option A.

     Which Death Benefit Option to Choose.  If an Owner prefers to have premium
payments and favorable investment performance reflected partly in the form of
an increasing Death Benefit, the Owner should choose Option B. If an Owner is
satisfied with the amount of the Insured's existing insurance coverage and
prefers to have premium payments and favorable investment performance reflected
to the maximum extent in the Accumulated Value, the Owner should choose Option
A.

     Change in Death Benefit Option.  After the first Policy Year, the Death
Benefit Option in effect may be changed by sending National Life a written
request.  No charges will be imposed to make a change in the Death Benefit
Option.  The effective date of any such change will be the Monthly Policy Date
on or next following the date National Life receives the written request.  Only
one change in Death Benefit Option is permitted in any one Policy Year.

     If the Death Benefit Option is changed from Option A to Option B, on the
effective date of the change, the Death Benefit will not change and the Face
Amount will be decreased by the Accumulated Value on that date. However, this
change may not be made if it would reduce the Basic Amount to less than the
Minimum Basic Coverage Amount.

     If the Death Benefit Option is changed from Option B to Option A, on the
effective date of the change, the Death Benefit will not change and the Face
Amount will be increased by the Accumulated Value on that date.

     A change in the Death Benefit Option may affect the Net Amount at Risk
over time which, in turn, would affect the monthly Cost of Insurance Charge
(see "Monthly Deductions," Page __).  Changing from Option A to Option B will
generally result in a Net Amount at Risk that remains level.  Such a change
will result in a relative increase in the Cost of Insurance Charges over time
because the Net Amount at Risk will, unless the Unadjusted Death Benefit is
based on the applicable percentage of Accumulated Value, remain level as cost
of insurance rates increase over time, rather than the Net Amount at Risk
decreasing as the Accumulated Value increases.  Changing from Option B to
Option A will, if the Accumulated Value increases, decrease the Net Amount at
Risk over time, thereby potentially offsetting the effect of increases and over
time in the cost of insurance rates.

     The effects of these Death Benefit Option changes on the Face Amount,
Unadjusted Death Benefit and Net Amount at Risk can be illustrated as follows.
Assume that a contract under Option A has a Face Amount of $500,000 and an
Accumulated Value of $100,000 and, therefore, an Unadjusted Death Benefit of
$500,000 and a Net Amount at Risk of $400,000 ($500,000 - $100,000).  If the
Death Benefit Option is changed from Option A to Option B, the Face Amount will
decrease from $500,000 to $400,000 and the Unadjusted Death Benefit and Net
Amount at Risk would remain the same.  The decrease will apply to Basic
Coverage and Additional Coverage in the order described  under "Ability to
Adjust Face Amount - Decreases" on page _____.  Assume that a contract under
Option B has a Face Amount of $500,000 and an Accumulated Value of $50,000 and,
therefore, the Unadjusted Death Benefit is $550,000 ($500,000 + $50,000) and
the Net Amount at Risk is $500,000 ($550,000 - $50,000).  If the Death Benefit
Option is changed from Option B to Option A, the Face Amount will increase to
$550,000, and the Unadjusted Death Benefit and Net Amount at Risk would remain
the same.  The $50,000 increase in Face Amount will be Basic Coverage.






<PAGE>   29
     If a change in the Death Benefit Option would result in cumulative
premiums exceeding the maximum premium limitations under the Internal Revenue
Code for life insurance, National Life will not effect the change.

     A change in the Death Benefit Option may have Federal income tax
consequences. (See "Tax Treatment of Policy Benefits," Page ____).

     How the Death Benefit May Vary.  The amount of the Death Benefit may vary
with the Accumulated Value in the following circumstances.  The Death Benefit
under Option A will vary with the Accumulated Value whenever the specified
percentage of Accumulated Value exceeds the Face Amount of the Policy.  The
Death Benefit under Option B will always vary with the Accumulated Value
because the Unadjusted Death Benefit equals the greater of (a) the Face Amount
plus the Accumulated Value and (b) the Accumulated Value multiplied by the
specified percentage.


ABILITY TO ADJUST FACE AMOUNT

       Subject to certain limitations, an Owner may generally, at any time
after the first Policy Year, increase or decrease the Policy's Face Amount by
submitting a written application to National Life.  The effective date of an
increase will be the Monthly Policy Date on or next following National Life's
approval of the request, and the effective date of a decrease is the Monthly
Policy Date on or next following the date that National Life receives the
written request.  An increase or decrease in Face Amount may have federal tax
consequences. (See "Tax Treatment Of Policy Benefits," Page ___).  The effect
of changes in Face Amount on Policy charges, as well as other considerations,
are described below.


       Increase.  A request for an increase in Face Amount may not be for less
  than $50,000, or such lesser amount required in a particular state.  The
  Owner may not increase the Face Amount after the older of the two Insureds'
  Attained Age 90. To obtain the increase, the Owner must submit an application
  for the increase and provide evidence satisfactory to National Life of both
  Insureds' insurability.  The increase may be either an addition of Basic
  Coverage or Additional Coverage. An increase in Basic Coverage will result in
  increased Surrender Charges.  An increase in Basic Coverage will also begin a
  new ten year period for purposes of applying the Monthly Administrative
  Charge to the new amount of Basic Coverage.  If an increase in Basic
  Coverage would move the Policy into a new size band for purposes of the
  Variable Account Charge, the Variable Account Charge percentage rate may be
  reduced as a result of the increase.  In the event that an increase
  simultaneously adds both Basic Coverage and Additional Coverage, the Basic
  Coverage is assumed to have been added first.

       On the effective date of an increase, and taking the increase into
  account, the Cash Surrender Value must be equal to the Monthly Deductions
  then due and the Surrender Charge associated with the increase, in the case
  of an increase in Basic Coverage.  If the Cash Surrender Value is not
  sufficient, the increase will not take effect until the Owner makes a
  sufficient additional premium payment to increase the Cash Surrender Value.

       An increase in the Face Amount will generally affect the total Net
  Amount at Risk which will increase the monthly Cost of Insurance Charges.  In
  addition, the Insureds may be in different Rate Classes as to the increase in
  insurance coverage.  An increase in premium payment or frequency may be
  appropriate after an increase in Face Amount. (See "Cost of Insurance," Page
  ___).  After an increase, part of the Net Amount at Risk will be
  attributable to the initial coverage under the Policy and part will be
  attributable to the increase.  For purposes of allocating Accumulated Value to
  each portion of the total Net Amount at Risk to determine the Cost of
  Insurance Charge, the Accumulated Value is first considered part of the
  initial segment.  If the Accumulated Value exceeds the initial segment's Face
  Amount, then it is allocated to increases in Face Amount in the order that
  such increases took effect.

         Decrease.  The amount of the Face Amount after a decrease cannot be
  less than 75% of the largest Face Amount in force at any time in the twelve
  months immediately preceding National Life's receipt of the request.  The
  Basic Coverage after any decrease may not be less than the Minimum Basic
  Coverage, which is currently $100,000.  To the extent a decrease in the Face
  Amount could result in cumulative premiums exceeding the maximum premium
  limitations applicable for life insurance under the Internal Revenue Code,
  National Life will not effect the decrease.

       A decrease in the Face Amount generally will decrease the total Net
  Amount at Risk, which will decrease an Owner's monthly Cost of Insurance
  Charges.  If a decrease in Basic Coverage would move the Policy into a new
  size band for purposes of the Variable Account Charge, the Variable Account
  Charge percentage rate may be increased as a result of the decrease.

       For purposes of determining the Monthly Deductions Charge, any decrease
  in the Face Amount will reduce the Face Amount in the following order: (a)
  the increase in Face Amount provided by the most recent increase; (b) the
  next most recent increases, in inverse chronological order; and (c) the
  Initial Face Amount.  If an increase involved the simultaneous addition of
  Basic Coverage and Additional Coverage, a decrease in the Face Amount will
  reduce the Additional Coverage first, and the Basic Coverage.






<PAGE>   30
HOW THE DURATION OF THE POLICY MAY VARY

         The Policy will remain in force as long as the Cash Surrender Value of
the Policy is sufficient to pay the Monthly Deductions and the charges under
the Policy.  When the Cash Surrender Value is insufficient to pay the charges
and the Grace Period expires without an adequate premium payment by the Owner,
the Policy will lapse and terminate without value.  Notwithstanding the
foregoing, during the first five Policy Years the Policy will not lapse if, as
of the Monthly Policy Date that the Cash Surrender Value of the Policy first
becomes insufficient to pay the charges, the Cumulative Minimum Monthly
Premium has been paid.  The Owner has certain rights to reinstate the Policy,
if it should lapse. (See "Reinstatement," Page ___).

          In addition, an optional Guaranteed Death Benefit Rider is available
which will guarantee that the Policy will not lapse prior to a time specified
in such Rider, regardless of investment performance, if the Cumulative
Guarantee Premium has been paid as of each Monthly Policy Date.

ACCUMULATED VALUE

         The Accumulated Value is the total amount of value held under the
Policy at any time.  It is equal to the sum of the Policy's values in the
Variable Account and the Fixed Account.  The Accumulated Value minus any
applicable Surrender Charge, and minus any outstanding Policy loans and accrued
interest, is equal to the Cash Surrender Value.  There is no guaranteed minimum
for the portion of the Accumulated Value in any of the Subaccounts of the
Variable Account and, because the Accumulated Value on any future date depends
upon a number of variables, it cannot be predetermined.

         The Accumulated Value and Cash Surrender Value will reflect the Net
Premiums paid, investment performance of the chosen Subaccounts of the Variable
Account, the crediting of interest on non-loaned Accumulated Value in the
Fixed Account and amounts held as Collateral in the Fixed Account, any
transfers, any Withdrawals, any loans, any loan repayments, any loan interest
paid, and charges assessed in connection with the Policy.

         Determination of Number of Units for the Variable Account.  Amounts
allocated, transferred or added to a Subaccount of the Variable Account under a
Policy are used to purchase units of that Subaccount; units are redeemed when
amounts are deducted, transferred or withdrawn.  The number of units a Policy
has in a Subaccount equals the number of units purchased minus the number of
units redeemed up to such time.  For each Subaccount, the number of units
purchased or redeemed in connection with a particular transaction is determined
by dividing the dollar amount by the unit value.

         Determination of Unit Value.  The unit value of a Subaccount is equal
to the unit value on the immediately preceding Valuation Day multiplied by the
Net Investment Factor for that Subaccount on that Valuation Day.

         Net Investment Factor.  Each Subaccount of the Variable Account has
its own Net Investment Factor.  The Net Investment Factor measures the daily
investment performance of the Subaccount.  The factor will increase or
decrease, as appropriate, to reflect net investment income and capital gains or
losses, realized and unrealized, for the securities of the underlying portfolio
or series.

         Calculation of Accumulated Value.  The Accumulated Value is determined
first on the Date of Issue and thereafter on each Valuation Day.  On the Date
of Issue, the Accumulated Value will be the Net Premiums received, plus any
earnings prior to the Date of Issue, less any Monthly Deductions due on the
Date of Issue. On each Valuation Day after the Date of Issue, the Accumulated
Value will be:






<PAGE>   31
         (1)     The aggregate of the values attributable to the Policy in the
                 Variable Account, determined by multiplying the number of
                 units the Policy has in each Subaccount of the Variable
                 Account by such Subaccount's unit value on that date; plus

         (2)     The value attributable to the Policy in the Fixed Account
                 (See "The Fixed Account," Page ___).

PAYMENT AND ALLOCATION OF PREMIUMS

         Issuance of a Policy.  In order to purchase a Policy, an individual
  must make application to National Life through a licensed National Life agent
  who is also a registered representative of Equity Services, Inc. ("ESI") or a
  broker/dealer having a Selling Agreement with ESI or a broker/dealer having a
  Selling Agreement with such a broker/dealer.  If the Minimum Initial Premium
  is not submitted with the application, it must be submitted when the Policy
  is delivered.  Prior to the Issue Date, National Life will accept amounts
  less than the Minimum Initial Premium as long as they are at least equal to
  the Minimum Monthly Premium.  If the amount paid by the Issue Date is not at
  least the Minimum Initial Premium, then all premiums paid will be refunded,
  and the Policy will not be issued.  If the first premium is submitted when
  the Policy is delivered, and the premium is less than the Minimum Initial
  Premium, the balance of the Minimum Initial Premium must be received within
  five days, or all premiums will be refunded.  The minimum amount of Basic
  Coverage of a Policy under National Life's rules is generally $100,000.

         National Life reserves the right to revise its rules from time to time
  to specify a different minimum amount of Basic Coverage for subsequently
  issued Policies.  A Policy will be issued only on two Insureds each of whom
  has an Issue Age from 20 to 90 and who provide National Life with
  satisfactory evidence of insurability.  Acceptance is subject to National
  Life's underwriting rules.  National Life reserves the right to reject an
  application for any reason permitted by law.  The Policy may also be
  available on a guaranteed issue basis.  (See "Cost of Insurance Rate"
  Page ______, and "Distribution of Policies," Page ___.)

         From the time the application for a Policy is signed until the time
  the Policy is issued, an applicant can, subject to National Life's
  underwriting rules, obtain temporary survivorship insurance protection,
  pending issuance of the Policy, by answering "no" with respect to both
  Insureds to the Health Questions of the Receipt & Temporary Life Insurance
  Agreement and submitting (a) a complete Application including any medical
  questionnaire required, and (b) payment of the Minimum Monthly Premium.

         The amount of coverage under the Receipt & Temporary Life Insurance
  Agreement is the lesser of the Face Amount applied for or $1,000,000
  ($100,000 in the case that the younger of the two proposed Insureds is age
  70 or over).  Coverage under the agreement will end on the earliest of (a)
  the 90th day from the date of the agreement; (b) the date that insurance
  takes effect under the Policy; (c) the date a policy, other than as applied
  for, is offered to the Applicant; (d) three days from the date National Life
  mails a notice of termination of coverage; (e) the time the Applicant first
  learns that the Company has terminated the temporary life insurance; or (f)
  the time the Applicant withdraws the application for life insurance.

           National Life will offer a one time credit to Home Office
  employees who purchase a Policy, as both Owner and one of the two
  Insureds.  This one time credit will be 50% of the target premium used
  in the calculation of commissions on the Policy.  The amount of the credit
  will be added to the initial premium payment submitted by the Owner.  Thus,
  the credit will be included in premium payments for purposes of calculating
  and deducting the Premium Tax Charge.  If the Policy is surrendered, the
  credit will not be recaptured by National Life.  The amount of the credit
  will not be included for purposes of calculating agent compensation for the
  sale of the Policy.

         Amount and Timing of Premiums.  Each premium payment must be at least
  $50.  Subject to certain limitations described below, an Owner has
  considerable flexibility in determining the amount and frequency of premium
  payments.

           At the time of application, each Owner will select a Planned Periodic
  Premium schedule, based on a periodic billing mode of annual, semi-annual, or
  quarterly payments.  The Owner may request National Life to send a premium
  reminder notice at the specified interval.  The Owner may change the Planned
  Periodic Premium frequency and amount.  Also, under a "Check-O-Matic" plan,
  the Owner can select a monthly payment schedule pursuant to which premium
  payments will be automatically deducted from a bank account or other source,
  rather than being "billed." National Life may allow, in certain situations,
  Check-O-Matic payments of less than $100.  National Life reserves the right
  to require that Check-O-Matic or group billing be set up for at least the
  Minimum Monthly Premium.

         The Owner is not required to pay the Planned Periodic Premiums in
  accordance with the specified schedule.  The Owner may pay premiums in any
  amount (subject to the $100 minimum and the limitations described in the next
  section), frequency and time period.  Payment of the Planned Periodic
  Premiums will not, however, guarantee that the Policy will remain in force
  (except that if such premiums are at least equal to the Cumulative Minimum
  Monthly Premium, then the Policy will remain in force for at least 5 years,
  or for the period covered by the Guaranteed Death Benefit Rider if such Rider
  is purchased) and premiums equal to or greater than the Cumulative Guarantee
  Premium have been paid).  Instead, the duration of the Policy depends upon
  the Policy's Cash Surrender Value.






<PAGE>   32
  Thus, even if Planned Periodic Premiums are paid, the Policy will lapse
  whenever the Cash Surrender Value is insufficient to pay the Monthly
  Deductions and any other charges under the Policy and if a Grace Period
  expires without an adequate payment by the Owner (unless the Policy is in its
  first five years, or the Guaranteed Death Benefit Rider has been purchased
  and remains applicable, so long as the Cumulative Minimum Monthly Premium,
  or the Cumulative Guarantee Premium, respectively, has been paid).

       Any payments made while there is an outstanding Policy loan will be
applied as premium payments rather than loan repayments, unless National Life
is notified in writing that the amount is to be applied as a loan repayment. No
premium payments may be made after the younger of the Insureds reaches Attained
Age 100.  However, loan repayments will be permitted after the younger of the
Insureds reaches Attained Age 100.

         Higher premium payments under Death Benefit Option A, until the
applicable percentage of Accumulated Value exceeds the Face Amount, will
generally result in a lower Net Amount at Risk, and lower Cost of Insurance
Charges against the Policy.  Conversely, lower premium payments in this
situation will result in a higher Net Amount at Risk, which will result in
higher Cost of Insurance Charges under the Policy.

         Under Death Benefit Option B, until the applicable percentage of
Accumulated Value exceeds the Face Amount plus the Accumulated Value, the level
of premium payments will not affect the Net Amount at Risk. (However, both the
Accumulated Value and Death Benefit will be higher if premium payments are
higher, and lower if premium payments are lower.)

         Under either Death Benefit Option, if the Unadjusted Death Benefit is
the applicable percentage of Accumulated Value, then higher premium payments
will result in a higher Net Amount at Risk, and higher Cost of Insurance
Charges.  Lower premium payments will result in a lower Net Amount at Risk, and
lower Cost of Insurance Charges.

         Premium Limitations.  With regard to a Policy's inside build-up, the
  Code provides for exclusion of the Unadjusted Death Benefit from gross income
  if total premium payments do not exceed certain stated limits.  In no event
  can the total of all premiums paid under a Policy exceed such limits.  If at
  any time a premium is paid which would result in total premiums exceeding
  such limits, National Life will only accept that portion of the premium which
  would make total premiums equal the maximum amount which may be paid under
  the Policy.  The excess will be promptly refunded, and in the cases of
  premiums paid by check, after such check has cleared.  If there is an
  outstanding loan on the Policy, the excess may instead be applied as a loan
  repayment.  Even if total premiums were to exceed the maximum premium
  limitations established by the Code, the excess of (a) a Policy's Unadjusted
  Death Benefit over (b) the Policy's Cash Surrender Value plus outstanding
  Policy loans and accrued interest, would still generally be excludable from
  gross income under the Code.

         The maximum premium limitations set forth in the Code depend in part
  upon the amount of the Unadjusted Death Benefit at any time.  As a result,
  any Policy changes which affect the amount of the Unadjusted Death Benefit
  may affect whether cumulative premiums paid under the Policy exceed the
  maximum premium limitations. To the extent that any such change would result
  in cumulative premiums exceeding the maximum premium limitations, National
  Life will not effect such change. (See "Federal Income Tax Considerations,"
  Page ___).

         Unless the Insured provides satisfactory evidence of insurability,
  National Life reserves the right to limit the amount of any premium payment
  if it increases the Unadjusted Death Benefit more than it increases the
  Accumulated Value.

         Allocation of Net Premiums.  The Net Premium equals the premium paid
  less the Premium Expense Charge.  In the application for the Policy, the Owner
  will indicate how Net Premiums should be allocated among the Subaccounts of
  the Variable Account and/or the Fixed Account.  These allocations may be
  changed at any time by the Owner by written notice to National Life at its
  Home Office, or if the telephone transaction privilege has been elected, by
  telephone instructions (See "Telephone Transaction Privilege," Page ___).
  The percentages of each Net Premium that may be






<PAGE>   33
  allocated to any Subaccount must be in whole numbers of not less than 5%, and
  the sum of the allocation percentages must be 100%.  Except in the
  circumstances described in the following paragraph, National Life will
  allocate the Net Premiums as of the Valuation Date it receives such premium
  at its Home Office, based on the allocation percentages then in effect.

         Any portion of the Initial Premium and any subsequent premiums
  received by National Life before the end of the free-look period which are
  to be allocated to the Variable Account will be allocated to the Money
  Market Subaccount.  For this purpose, National Life will assume that the
  free-look period will end 20 days after the date the Policy is issued.  On
  the first Valuation Date following 20 days after issue of the Policy,
  National Life will allocate the amount in the Money Market Subaccount to each
  of the Subaccounts selected in the application based on the proportion that
  the allocation percentage set forth in the application for such Subaccount
  bears to the sum of the Variable Account premium allocation percentages then
  in effect.

         For example, assume a Policy was issued with Net Premiums to be
  allocated 25% to the Managed Subaccount, 25% to the Bond Subaccount and 50%
  to the Fixed Account.  During the period stated above, 50% (25% + 25%) of
  the Net Premiums will be allocated to the Money Market Subaccount.  At the
  end of such period, 50% (25% / 50%) of the amount in the Money Market
  Subaccount will be transferred to the Managed Subaccount and 50% to the Bond
  Subaccount.

         The values of the Subaccounts will vary with their investment
  experience and the Owner bears the entire investment risk.  Owners should
  periodically review their allocation percentages in light of market
  conditions and the Owner's overall financial objectives.

         Transfers.  The Owner may transfer the Accumulated Value between and
among the Subaccounts of the Variable Account and the Fixed Account by making
a written transfer request to National Life, or if the telephone transaction
privilege has been elected, by telephone instructions to National Life (See
"Telephone Transaction Privilege," Page ___).  Transfers between and among the
Subaccounts of the Variable Account and the Fixed Account are made as of the
Valuation Day that the request for transfer is received at the Home Office. The
Owner may, at any time, transfer all or part of the amount in one of the
Subaccounts of the Variable Account to another Subaccount and/or to the Fixed
Account. (For transfers from the Fixed Account to the Variable Account, see
"Transfers from Fixed Account," Page ___).

           Currently an unlimited number of transfers is permitted without
charge, and National Life has no current intent to impose a transfer charge in
the foreseeable future.  However, National Life reserves the right, upon prior
notice to Policy Owners, to change this policy so as to deduct a $25 transfer
charge from each transfer in excess of the twelfth transfer during any one
Policy Year.  All transfers requested during one Valuation Period  are treated
as one transfer transaction.  If a transfer charge is adopted in the future,
transfers resulting from Policy loans, the exercise of Special Transfer Rights
(see "Policy Rights - Special Transfer Rights, Page ____), and the reallocation
from the Money Market Subaccount following the 10-day period after the Date of
Issue, will not be subject to a transfer charge and will not count against the
twelve free transfers in any Policy Year.  Under present law, transfers are not
taxable transactions.

         Policy Lapse.  The failure to make a premium payment will not itself
cause a Policy to lapse.  Lapse will only occur when the Cash Surrender Value
is insufficient to cover the Monthly Deductions and other charges under the
Policy and the Grace Period expires without a sufficient payment.  During the
first five Policy Years, the Policy will not lapse so long as the Cumulative
Minimum Monthly Premium has been paid, regardless of whether the Cash
Surrender Value is sufficient to cover the Monthly Deductions and other charges.

         In addition, if the Owner has elected at issue the Guaranteed Death
Benefit Rider, and has paid the Cumulative Guarantee Premium as of each Monthly
Policy Date, the Policy will not lapse either prior to the younger Insured's
Attained Age 80 or for the entire lifetimes of the two Insureds, whichever is
elected by the Owner, regardless of whether the Cash Surrender Value is
sufficient to cover the Monthly Deductions. See "Optional Benefits - Guaranteed
Death Benefit, Page ___)."






<PAGE>   34
         The Policy provides for a 61-day Grace Period that is measured from
the date on which notice is sent by National Life.  The Policy does not lapse,
and the insurance coverage continues, until the expiration of this Grace
Period.  In order to prevent lapse, the Owner must during the Grace Period make
a premium payment equal to the sum of any amount by which the past Monthly
Deductions have been in excess of Cash Surrender Value, plus three times the
Monthly Deduction due the date the Grace Period began.  The notice sent by
National Life will specify the payment required to keep the Policy in force.
Failure to make a payment at least equal to the required amount within the
Grace Period will result in lapse of the Policy without value.

         Reinstatement.  A Policy that lapses without value may be reinstated
at any time within five years (or longer period required in a particular state)
after the beginning of the Grace Period by submitting evidence of both Insureds'
insurability satisfactory to National Life and payment of an amount sufficient
to provide for two times the Monthly Deduction due on the date the Grace Period
began plus three times the Monthly Deduction due on the effective date of
reinstatement, which is, unless otherwise required by state law, the Monthly
Policy Date on or next following the date the reinstatement application
is approved.  Upon reinstatement, the Accumulated Value will be based upon the
premium paid to reinstate the Policy and the Policy will be reinstated with the
same Date of Issue as it had prior to the lapse.  Neither the five year no
lapse guarantee nor the Death Benefit Guarantee Rider may be reinstated.

     Specialized Uses of the Policy.  Because the Policy provides for an
accumulation of cash value as well as a death benefit, the Policy can be used
for various individual and business financial planning purposes. Purchasing the
Policy in part for such purposes entails certain risks.  For example, if the
investment performance of Subaccounts to which Policy Value is allocated is
poorer than expected or if sufficient premiums are not paid, the Policy may
lapse or may not accumulate sufficient Accumulated Value or Cash Surrender
Value to fund the purpose for which the Policy was purchased.  Withdrawals and
Policy loans may significantly affect current and future Accumulated Value,
Cash Surrender Value, or Death Benefit proceeds.  Depending upon Subaccount
investment performance and the amount of a Policy loan, the loan may cause a
Policy to lapse. Because the Policy is designed to provide benefits on a
long-term basis, before purchasing a Policy for a specialized purpose a
purchaser should consider whether the long-term nature of the Policy is
consistent with the purpose for which it is being considered.  Using a Policy
for a specialized purpose may have tax consequences.  (See "Federal Income Tax
Considerations," Page __.)

                             CHARGES AND DEDUCTIONS

         Charges will be deducted in connection with the Policy to compensate
National Life for (a) providing the insurance and other benefits set forth in
the Policy; (b) administering the Policy; (c) assuming certain mortality and
other risks in connection with the Policy; and (d) incurring expenses in
distributing the Policy including costs associated with prospectuses and sales
literature and sales compensation.

PREMIUM EXPENSE CHARGE

         The Premium Expense Charge consists of two portions.  The first is a
deduction of  3.40% of the premium will be made from each premium payment prior
to allocation of Net Premiums, to cover state premium taxes and the federal DAC
Tax.

         The federal DAC Tax is a tax attributable to certain "policy
acquisition expenses" under Section 848 of the Code.  Section 848 in effect
accelerates the realization of income National Life receives from the Policies,
and therefore the payment of federal income taxes on that income.  The economic
consequence of Section 848 is, therefore, an increase in the tax burden borne
by National Life that is attributable to the Policies.

         The Premium Expense Charge will also include, during the first 10
Policy Years, a deduction of 7.0% of the premium up to the Target Premium, and
4.0% of premium in excess of the Target Premium, from each premium payment
prior to allocation of Net Premiums, to compensate National Life for the
expenses incurred in distributing the Policies, including commissions to
selling agents. National Life reserves the right to increase the the charge for
premiums in excess of the Target Premium from 4.0% to 5.0% of such premiums.
National Life currently intends to reduce this deduction from premiums paid
after the tenth Policy Anniversary to 4.0% of all premiums, although it
reserves the right to make a deduction of up to the maximum permitted during
the first ten years.

SURRENDER CHARGE

         A Surrender Charge is imposed if the Policy is surrendered or lapses
at any time before the end of the tenth Policy Year, or the ten years after an
increase in the Basic Coverage. The Surrender Charge will initially be equal to
the Policy's Target Premium, as shown in Appendix B to this Prospectus. The
Surrender Charge will be level for the first five years, and then decline
linearly by month until it is zero at the beginning of Policy Year 11. For
increases in Basic Coverage, the Surrender Charge will initially be the Target
Premium associated with the increase. It will be level for five years from the
date of the increase, and then decline linearly by month until it is zero at
the beginning of the eleventh year after the date of the increase. The
Surrender Charge will not decrease in the event of a decrease in Basic
Coverage. The actual Surrender Charge for your Policy will be stated in the
Policy.







<PAGE>   35

MONTHLY DEDUCTIONS

         Charges will be deducted from the Accumulated Value on the Date of
Issue and on each Monthly Policy Date. The Monthly Deduction consists of four
components - (a) the Cost of Insurance Charge, (b) the Variable Account Charge,
(c) the Monthly Administrative Charge, and (d) the cost of any additional
benefits provided by Rider.  Because portions of the Monthly Deduction, such as
the Cost of Insurance Charge, can vary from Policy Month to Policy Month, the
Monthly Deduction may vary in amount from Policy Month to Policy Month.  The
Monthly Deduction will be deducted on a pro rata basis from the Subaccounts of
the Variable Account and the Fixed Account, unless the Owner has elected at the
time of application, or later requests in writing, that the Monthly Deduction
be made from the Money Market Subaccount.  If a Monthly Deduction cannot be
made from the Money Market Subaccount, where that has been elected, the amount
of the deduction in excess of the Accumulated Value available in the Money
Market Subaccount will be made on a pro rata basis from Accumulated Value in
the Subaccounts of the Variable Account and the Fixed Account.

         Cost of Insurance Charge.  Because the Cost of Insurance Charge
depends upon several variables, the cost for each Policy Month can vary.
National Life will determine the monthly Cost of Insurance Charge by
multiplying the applicable cost of insurance rate or rates by the Net Amount at
Risk for each Policy Month.

         The Net Amount at Risk on any Monthly Policy Date is the amount by
which the Unadjusted Death Benefit on that Monthly Policy Date, adjusted by a
factor, exceeds the Accumulated Value.  This factor is 1.00327234, and is used
to reduce the Net Amount at Risk, solely for purposes of computing the Cost of
Insurance Charge, by taking into account assumed monthly earnings at an annual
rate of 4%.







<PAGE>   36
The Net Amount at Risk is determined separately for the Initial Face Amount and
any increases in Face Amount.  In determining the Net Amount at Risk for each
increment of Face Amount, the Accumulated Value is first considered part of the
Initial Face Amount. If the Accumulated Value exceeds the Initial Face Amount,
it is considered as part of any increases in Face Amount in the order such
increases took effect.

         If the Policy includes both Basic Coverage and Additional Coverage,
the Net Amount at Risk is separated into portions applicable to each type of
coverage. For this purpose, Accumulated Value is applied against Basic Coverage
first for Basic Coverage and Additional Coverage which began at the same time.
Any change in the Net Amount at Risk will affect the total Cost of Insurance
Charges paid by the Owner.

        A cost of insurance rate is also determined separately for the Initial
Face Amount and any increases in Face Amount. In calculating the Cost of
Insurance Charge, a rate based on the Rate Classes of the two Insureds on the
Date of Issue is applied to the Net Amount at Risk for the Initial Face Amount.
For each increase in Face Amount, a rate based on the Rate Classes of the two
Insureds applicable at the time of the increase is used. If, however, the
Unadjusted Death Benefit is calculated as the Accumulated Value times the
specified percentage, the rate based on the Rate Classes for the Initial Face
Amount will be used for the amount of the Unadjusted Death Benefit in excess of
the total Face Amount. Again, if any time segment includes both Basic Coverage
and Additional Coverage, separate cost of insurance rates are applied to each
type of coverage.

        Cost of Insurance Rate. The guaranteed maximum cost of insurance rates
are set forth in the Policy, and will depend on each Insured's Issue Age, sex,
substandard or uninsurable status, the Policy's Duration, and the 1980
Commissioners Standard Ordinary Mortality Table. Guaranteed maximum cost of
insurance rates will also vary depending on whether the coverage is Basic
Coverage or Additional Coverage, with higher rates being applicable to
Additional Coverage. The actual cost of insurance rates used ("current rates")
will depend on each Insured's Issue Age, sex, and Rate Class, as well as
the Policy's Duration, and whether the coverage is Basic Coverage or Additional
Coverage (however, current rates applicable to Additional Coverage may be
higher or lower than for Basic Coverage). Generally, the current cost of
insurance rate for a given set of Attained Ages will be less for Insureds whose
Policy was issued more than 10 years ago, than for Insureds whose Policy was
issued less than 10 years ago, other factors being equal. National Life
periodically reviews the adequacy of its current cost of insurance rates and
may adjust their level. However, they will never exceed guaranteed maximum cost
of insurance rates. Any change in the current cost of insurance rates will
apply to all sets of persons of the same Issue Ages, sexes, and Rate Classes,
and with Policies of the same Duration.

        Rate Class. The Rate Classes of the two Insureds will affect the
current cost of insurance rates. National Life currently places Insureds into
preferred nonsmoker, nonsmoker, preferred smoker, smoker, substandard, and
uninsurable classes. Smoker substandard, and uninsurable classes reflect higher
mortality risks. In an otherwise identical Policy, Insureds in a preferred or
standard class will have a lower Cost of Insurance Charge than Insureds in a
substandard class with higher mortality risks. Nonsmoking Insureds will
generally incur lower cost of insurance rates than Insureds who are classified
as smokers. Classification of an Insured as substandard or uninsurable will
also affect the guaranteed cost of insurance rates.

        Variable Account Charge. The Variable Account Charge varies by the
amount of Basic Coverage in the Policy. It is a percentage of the Accumulated
Value in the Variable Account, and does not apply to Accumulated Value in the
Fixed Account. During the first 10 Policy Years, for Policies with Basic
Coverage less than $1,000,000, the current annual charge is 0.90%; for Policies
with Basic Coverage from $1,000,000 to $2,999,999, the current annual charge is
0.80%, and for Policies with Basic Coverage of more than $3 million, the current
annual charge is 0.75%. In all cases, National Life reserves the right to
increase this charge to an amount not to exceed 0.90%. For years after Policy
Year 10, National Life currently intends to reduce this charge to the following
rates: for Polices with Basic Coverage of less than $1 million, an annual charge
of 0.35%; for Policies with Basic Coverage from $1,000,000 to $2,999,999, an
annual charge of 0.30%, and for Policies with Basic Coverage of more than $3
million, an annual charge of 0.25%. However, National Life reserves the right to
continue to charge a Variable Account Charge in an annual amount up to 0.90% in
years after Policy Year 10.

         Monthly Administrative Charge. The amount of the Monthly Administrative
Charge during the first ten Policy Years is $15.00, plus $0.08 per $1000 of
Basic Coverage. The per $1000 portion of this charge during the first ten Policy
Years will be increased by $.01 per $1000 of Basic Coverage for each Insured who
is a smoker. National Life classifies all nicotine users as smokers, including
cigarette, cigar, pipe, chewing tobacco, snuff, nicotine patches and nicotine
gum.








<PAGE>   37

         After the first ten Policy Years, National Life currently intends to
charge a Monthly Administrative Charge in the amount of $7.50, with no
additional amount per $1000 of Basic Coverage, and during this period the
Monthly Administrative Charge is guaranteed not to exceed $15.00, plus $0.08 per
$1000 of Basic Coverage.

         Optional Benefit Charges. The Monthly Deduction will include charges
for any additional benefits added to the Policy. The monthly charges will be
specified in the applicable Rider. The available Riders are listed under
"Optional Benefits," on Page __ below.

WITHDRAWAL CHARGE

         At the time of a Withdrawal, National Life will assess a charge equal
to the lesser of 2% of the Withdrawal amount and $25.  This Withdrawal Charge
will be deducted from the Withdrawal amount.

TRANSFER CHARGE

        Currently, unlimited transfers are permitted among the Subaccounts, or
from the Variable Account to the Fixed Account, and transfers from the Fixed
Account to the Variable Account are permitted within the limits described on
Page __, in each case without charge. National Life has no present intention to
impose a transfer charge in the foreseeable future. However, National Life
reserves the right to impose in the future a transfer charge of $25 on each
transfer in excess of twelve transfers in any Policy Year. The Transfer Charge
would be imposed to compensate National Life for the costs of processing such
transfers, and would not be designed to produce a profit.

        If imposed, the transfer charge will be deducted from the amount being
transferred. All transfers requested on the same Valuation Day are treated as
one transfer transaction. Any future transfer charge will not apply to transfers
resulting from Policy loans, the exercise of special transfer rights, the
initial reallocation of account values from the Money Market Subaccount to other
Subaccounts, and any transfers made pursuant to the Dollar Cost Averaging and
Portfolio Rebalancing features.  These transfers will not count against the
twelve free transfers in any Policy Year.

PROJECTION REPORT CHARGE

        National Life may impose a charge for each projection report requested
by the Owner. This report will project future values and future Death Benefits
for the Policy. National Life will notify the Owner in advance of the amount of
the charge, and the Owner may elect to pay the charge in advance. If not paid in
advance, this charge will be allocated among and deducted from the Subaccounts
of the Variable Account and/or the Fixed Account in proportion to their
respective Accumulated Values on the date of the deduction.

OTHER CHARGES

            The Variable Account purchases shares of the Funds at net asset
value. The net asset value of those shares reflect management fees and expenses
already deducted from the assets of the Funds' Portfolios. The fees and expenses
for the Funds and their Portfolios are described briefly in connection with a
general description of each Fund, and historical expense ratio information for
the Funds is presented in the "Summary of Policy Expenses" section on page
above.  More detailed information is contained in the Funds Prospectuses which
are attached to or accompany this Prospectus.







<PAGE>   38

                                  POLICY RIGHTS

LOAN PRIVILEGES

            General. The Owner may at any time after the first anniversary of
the Date of Issue (and during the first year where required by law) borrow money
from National Life using the Policy as the only security for the loan. The Owner
may obtain Policy loans while the Policy is in force in an amount not exceeding
the Policy's Cash Surrender Value on the date of receipt of the loan request,
minus three times the Monthly Deduction for the most recent Monthly Policy Date.
However, for Policies which have elected the Guaranteed Death Benefit Rider, if
the Owner obtains a Policy loan in excess of the cumulative premiums paid minus
the Cumulative Guarantee Premium, then the Guaranteed Death Benefit Rider will
enter a lapse pending notification period. This means that the Guaranteed Death
Benefit Rider (but not the Policy itself) will lapse if a sufficient premium is
not paid within the 61-day lapse pending notification period.

        While either Insured is living, the Owner may repay all or a portion of
a loan and accrued interest. Loans may be taken by making a written request to
National Life at its Home Office, or, if the telephone transaction privilege has
been elected, by providing telephone instructions to National Life at its Home
Office. Loan proceeds will be paid within seven days of a valid loan request.
(See "Telephone Transaction Privilege," Page 36.) National Life limits the
amount of a Policy loan taken pursuant to telephone instructions to $25,000.

            Interest Rate Charged. The interest rate charged on Policy loans
will be at the fixed rate of 6% per year. Interest is charged from the date of
the loan and is due at the end of each Policy Year. If interest is not paid when
due, it will be added to the loan balance and bear interest at the same rate. At
the end of the Policy Year, the loan interest will be added to the loan balance.
Any payments made by the Owner to cover loan interest will be used to reduce the
amount of the Policy loan.

            Allocation of Loans and Collateral. When a Policy loan is taken,
Accumulated Value is held in the Fixed Account as Collateral for the Policy
loan. Accumulated Value is taken from the Subaccounts of the Variable Account
based upon the instructions of the Owner at the time the loan is taken. If
specific allocation instructions have not been received from the Owner, the
Policy loan will be allocated to the Subaccounts based on the proportion that
each Subaccount's value bears to the total Accumulated Value in the Variable
Account. If the Accumulated Value in one or more of the Subaccounts is
insufficient to carry out the Owner's instructions, the loan will not be
processed until further instructions are received from the Owner. Non-loaned
Accumulated Value in the Fixed Account will become Collateral for a loan only to
the extent that the Accumulated Value in the Variable Account is insufficient.
Any loan interest due and unpaid will be allocated among and transferred first
from the Subaccounts of the Variable Account in proportion to the Accumulated
Values held in the Subaccounts, and then from the non-loaned portion of the
Fixed Account.

            The Collateral for a Policy loan will initially be the loan amount.
Any loan interest due and unpaid will be added to the Policy loan. National Life
will take additional Collateral for such loan interest so added pro rata from
the Subaccounts of the Variable Account, and then, if the amounts in the
Variable Account are insufficient, from the non-loaned portion of the Fixed
Account, and hold the Collateral in the Fixed Account. At any time, the amount
of the outstanding loan under a Policy equals the sum of all loans (including
due and unpaid interest added to the loan balance) minus any loan repayments.

            Interest Credited to Amounts Held as Collateral. As long as the
Policy is in force, National Life will credit the amount held in the Fixed
Account as Collateral with interest at effective annual rates it determines, but
not less than 4% or such higher minimum rate required under state law. The rate
will apply to the calendar year which follows the date of determination.

            Preferred Policy Loans. National Life currently intends, but is not
obligated to continue, to make preferred Policy loans available at  the
beginning of Policy Year 11. For such preferred Policy loans the rate of
interest charged on the loan will be 4.25%, and amounts held as Collateral in
the Fixed Account will be credited with interest at an annual rate of 4.0%. If
both preferred and non-preferred loans exist at the same time, any loan







<PAGE>   39
repayment will be applied first to the non-preferred loan. National Life is not
obligated to continue to make preferred loans available, and will make such
loans available in its sole discretion.  Preferred loans may not be treated as
indebtedness for federal income tax purposes.

            Effect of Policy Loan. Policy loans, whether or not repaid, will
have a permanent effect on the Accumulated Value and the Cash Surrender Value,
and may permanently affect the Death Benefit under the Policy. The effect on the
Accumulated Value and Death Benefit could be favorable or unfavorable, depending
on whether the investment performance of the Subaccounts and the interest
credited to the Accumulated Value in the Fixed Account not held as Collateral is
less than or greater than the interest being credited on the amounts held as
Collateral in the Fixed Account while the loan is outstanding. Compared to a
Policy under which no loan is made, values under a Policy will be lower when the
credited interest rate on Collateral is less than the investment experience of
assets held in the Variable Account and interest credited to the Accumulated
Value in the Fixed Account not held as Collateral. The longer a loan is
outstanding, the greater the effect a Policy loan is likely to have.  The Death
Benefit will be reduced by the amount of any outstanding Policy loan.

            Loan Repayments. National Life will assume that any payments made
while there is an outstanding loan on the Policy are premium payments, rather
than loan repayments, unless it receives written instructions that a payment is
a loan repayment. In the event of a loan repayment, the amount held as
Collateral in the Fixed Account will be reduced by an amount equal to the
repayment, and such amount will be transferred to the Subaccounts of the
Variable Account and to the non-loaned portion of the Fixed Account based on the
Net Premium allocations in effect at the time of the repayment.

            Lapse With Loans Outstanding. The amount of an outstanding loan
under a Policy plus any accrued interest on outstanding loans is not part of
Cash Surrender Value. Therefore, the larger the amount of an outstanding loan,
the more likely it is that the Policy could lapse. (See "How the Duration of the
Policy May Vary," Page __ and "Policy Lapse," Page __.) In addition, if the
Policy is not a Modified Endowment Policy, lapse of the Policy with outstanding
loans may result in adverse federal income tax consequences. (See "Tax Treatment
of Policy Benefits," Page __.)

            Tax Considerations. Any loans taken from a "Modified Endowment
Contract" will be treated as a taxable distribution. In addition, with certain
exceptions, a 10% additional income tax penalty will be imposed on the portion
of any loan that is included in income. (See "Distributions from Policies
Classified as Modified Endowment Contracts," Page __.)

SURRENDER PRIVILEGE

            At any time before the death of the last to die of the two Insureds,
the Owner may surrender the Policy for its Cash Surrender Value. The Cash
Surrender Value is the Accumulated Value minus any Policy loan and accrued
interest and less any applicable Surrender Charge. The Cash Surrender Value will
be determined by National Life on the Valuation Day it receives, at its Home
Office, a written surrender request signed by the Owner, and the Policy. A
surrender may not be requested over the telephone. Coverage under the Policy
will end on the day the Owner mails or otherwise sends the written surrender
request and the Policy to National Life. Surrender proceeds will ordinarily be
mailed by National Life to the Owner within seven days of receipt of the
request. (See "Other Policy Provisions - Payment of Policy Benefits", Page __.)

        A surrender may have Federal income tax consequences. (See "Tax
Treatment of Policy Benefits," Page __.)

WITHDRAWAL OF CASH SURRENDER VALUE

            At any time before the death of the last to die of the two Insureds
and after the first Policy Anniversary, the Owner may withdraw a portion of the
Policy's Cash Surrender Value. The minimum amount which may be withdrawn is
$500. The maximum Withdrawal is the Cash Surrender Value on the date of receipt
of the Withdrawal request, minus three times the Monthly Deduction for the most
recent Monthly Policy Date. However,








<PAGE>   40
for Policies which have elected the Guaranteed Death Benefit Rider, if the
Owner obtains a Withdrawal in excess of the cumulative premiums paid minus the
Cumulative Guarantee Premium, then the Guaranteed Death Benefit Rider will
enter a lapse pending notification period. This means that the Guaranteed Death
Benefit Rider (but not the Policy itself) will lapse if a sufficient premium is
not paid within the 61-day lapse pending notification period.

        A Withdrawal Charge will be deducted from the amount of the Withdrawal.
For a discussion of the Withdrawal Charge, see "Charges and Deductions -
Withdrawal Charge" on Page __.

            The Withdrawal will be taken from the Subaccounts of the Variable
Account based upon the instructions of the Owner at the time of the Withdrawal.
If specific allocation instructions have not been received from the Owner, the
Withdrawal will be allocated to the Subaccounts based on the proportion that
each Subaccount's value bears to the total Accumulated Value in the Variable
Account. If the Accumulated Value in one or more Subaccounts is insufficient to
carry out the Owner's instructions, the Withdrawal will not be processed until
further instructions are received from the Owner. Withdrawals will be taken from
the Fixed Account only to the extent that Accumulated Value in the Variable
Account is insufficient.

            The effect of a Withdrawal on the Death Benefit and Face Amount will
vary depending upon the Death Benefit Option in effect and whether the
Unadjusted Death Benefit is based on the applicable percentage of Accumulated
Value. (See "Death Benefit Options," Page __.)

            Option A. The effect of a Withdrawal on the Face Amount and
Unadjusted Death Benefit under Option A can be described as follows:

                     If the Face Amount divided by the applicable percentage
            of Accumulated Value exceeds the Accumulated Value just after the
            Withdrawal, a Withdrawal will reduce the Face Amount and the
            Unadjusted Death Benefit by the lesser of such excess and the
            amount of the Withdrawal.

                     For the purposes of this illustration (and the following
            illustrations of Withdrawals), assume that the Attained Age of
            the younger Insured is under 40 and there is no indebtedness. The
            applicable percentage is 250% for a younger Insured with an
            Attained Age under 40.

                     Under Option A, a contract with a Face Amount of
            $300,000 and an Accumulated Value of $30,000 will have an
            Unadjusted Death Benefit of $300,000. Assume that the Owner takes
            a Withdrawal of $10,000. The Withdrawal Charge will be $25 and
            the amount paid to the Owner will be $9,975. The Withdrawal will
            reduce the Accumulated Value to $20,000 ($30,000 - $10,000) after
            the Withdrawal. The Face Amount divided by the applicable
            percentage is $120,000 ($300,000 / 2.50), which exceeds the
            Accumulated Value after the Withdrawal by $100,000 ($120,000 -
            $20,000). The lesser of this excess and the amount of the
            Withdrawal is $10,000, the amount of the Withdrawal. Therefore,
            the Unadjusted Death Benefit and Face Amount will be reduced by
            $10,000 to $290,000.

                     If the Face Amount divided by the applicable percentage
            of Accumulated Value does not exceed the Accumulated Value just
            after the Withdrawal, then the Face Amount is not reduced. The
            Unadjusted Death Benefit will be reduced by an amount equal to
            the reduction in Accumulated Value times the applicable
            percentage (or equivalently, the Unadjusted Death Benefit is
            equal to the new Accumulated Value times the applicable
            percentage).

                     Under Option A, a policy with a Face Amount of $300,000
            and an Accumulated Value of $150,000 will have an Unadjusted
            Death Benefit of $375,000 ($150,000 x 2.50). Assume that the
            Owner takes a Withdrawal of $10,000. The Withdrawal Charge will
            be $25 and the amount paid to the Owner will be $9,975. The
            Withdrawal will reduce the Accumulated Value to $140,000
            ($150,000 - $10,000). The Face Amount divided by the applicable
            percentage is $120,000, which does not exceed the Accumulated
            Value after the withdrawal. Therefore, the Face Amount stays at
            $300,000 and the Unadjusted Death Benefit is $350,000 ($140,000 x
            2.50).







<PAGE>   41

            Option B. The Face Amount will never be decreased by a Withdrawal. A
Withdrawal will, however, always decrease the Death Benefit.

                      If the Unadjusted Death Benefit equals the Face Amount
             plus the Accumulated Value, a Withdrawal will reduce the
             Accumulated Value by the amount of the Withdrawal and thus the
             Unadjusted Death Benefit will also be reduced by the amount of
             the Withdrawal.

                      Under Option B, a Policy with a Face Amount of $300,000
             and an Accumulated Value of $90,000 will have an Unadjusted Death
             Benefit of $390,000 ($300,000 + $90,000). Assume the Owner takes
             a Withdrawal of $20,000. The Withdrawal Charge will be $25 and
             the amount paid to the Owner will be $19,975. The Withdrawal will
             reduce the Accumulated Value to $70,000 ($90,000 - $20,000) and
             the Unadjusted Death Benefit to $370,000 ($300,000 + $70,000).
             The Face Amount is unchanged.

                     If the Unadjusted Death Benefit immediately prior to the
            Withdrawal is based on the applicable percentage of Accumulated
            Value, the Unadjusted Death Benefit will be reduced to equal the
            greater of (a) the Face Amount plus the Accumulated Value after
            deducting the amount of the Withdrawal and Withdrawal Charge and
            (b) the applicable percentage of Accumulated Value after
            deducting the amount of the Withdrawal.

                        Under Option B, a Policy with a Face Amount of $300,000
            and an Accumulated Value of $210,000 will have an Unadjusted Death
            Benefit of $525,000 ($210,000 X 2.5). Assume the Owner takes a
            Withdrawal of $60,000. The Withdrawal Charge will be $25 and the
            amount paid to the Owner will be $59,975. The Withdrawal will reduce
            the Accumulated Value to $150,000 ($210,000 - $60,000), and the
            Unadjusted Death Benefit to the greater of (a) the Face Amount plus
            the Accumulated Value, or $450,000 ($300,000 + $150,000) and (b) the
            Unadjusted Death Benefit based on the applicable percentage of the
            Accumulated Value, or $375,000 ($150,000 X 2.50). Therefore, the
            Unadjusted Death Benefit will be $450,000. The Face Amount is
            unchanged.

            Any decrease in Face Amount due to a Withdrawal will reduce Face
Amount in the order described under "Ability to Adjust Face Amount - Decreases"
on page __.

            Because a Withdrawal can affect the Face Amount and the Unadjusted
Death Benefit as described above, a Withdrawal may also affect the Net Amount at
Risk which is used to calculate the Cost of Insurance Charge under the Policy.
(See "Cost of Insurance Charge," Page __.) Since a Withdrawal reduces the
Accumulated Value, the Cash Surrender Value of the Policy is reduced, thereby
increasing the likelihood that the Policy will lapse. (See "Policy Lapse," Page
__.) A request for Withdrawal may not be allowed if such Withdrawal would reduce
the Basic Coverage below the Minimum Basic Coverage Amount for the Policy. Also,
if a Withdrawal would result in cumulative premiums exceeding the maximum
premium limitations applicable under the Code for life insurance, National Life
will not allow such Withdrawal.

          Withdrawals may be requested only by sending a written request, signed
by the Owner, to National Life at its Home Office. A Withdrawal may not be
requested over the telephone. A Withdrawal will ordinarily be paid within seven
days of receipt at the Home Office of a valid Withdrawal request.

            A Withdrawal of Cash Surrender Value may have Federal income tax
consequences. (See "Tax Treatment of Policy Benefits," Page __.)








<PAGE>   42

FREE-LOOK PRIVILEGE

            The Policy provides for a "free-look" period, during which the Owner
may cancel the Policy and receive a refund equal to the gross premiums paid on
the Policy. This free-look period ends 10 days after the Owner receives the
Policy (or any longer period provided by state law). To cancel the Policy, the
Owner must return the Policy to National Life or to an agent of National Life
within such time with a written request for cancellation.

TELEPHONE TRANSACTION PRIVILEGE

            If the telephone transaction privilege has been elected, either on
the application for the Policy or thereafter by providing a proper written
authorization to National Life, an Owner may effect changes in premium
allocation, transfers, and loans of up to $25,000 by providing instructions to
National Life at its Home Office over the telephone. National Life reserves the
right to suspend telephone transaction privileges at any time, for any reason,
if it deems such suspension to be in the best interests of Policy Owners.

        National Life will employ reasonable procedures to confirm that
instructions communicated by telephone are genuine. If National Life follows
these procedures it will not be liable for any losses due to unauthorized or
fraudulent instructions. National Life may be liable for any such losses if
those reasonable procedures are not followed. The procedures to be followed for
telephone transfers will include one or more of the following: requiring some
form of personal identification prior to acting on instructions received by
telephone, providing written confirmation of the transaction, and making a tape
recording of the instructions given by telephone.

SPECIAL TRANSFER RIGHTS

         Transfer Right for Policy. During the first two years following Policy
issue, the Owner may, on one occasion, transfer the entire Accumulated Value in
the Variable Account to the Fixed Account, without regard to any limits on
transfers or free transfers.

         Transfer Right for Change in Investment Policy. If the investment
policy of a Subaccount of the Variable Account is materially changed, the Owner
may transfer the portion of the Accumulated Value in such Subaccount to another
Subaccount or to the Fixed Account, without regard to any limits on transfers or
free transfers.

AVAILABLE AUTOMATED FUND MANAGEMENT FEATURES

         National Life currently offers, at no charge to Owners, the following
automated fund management features. Only one of these two automated fund
management features may be operable at any time. National Life is not legally
obligated to continue to offer these features, and although it has no current
intention to do so, it may cease offering one or both such features at any time,
after providing 60 days prior written notice to all Owners who are currently
utilizing the features being discontinued.

         Dollar Cost Averaging. This feature permits an Owner to automatically
transfer funds from the Money Market Subaccount to any other Subaccounts on a
monthly basis. It may be elected at issue by marking the appropriate box on the
initial application, and completing the appropriate instructions, or, after
issue, by filling out similar information on a change request form and sending
it to the Home Office.

         If this feature is elected, the amount to be transferred will be taken
from the Money Market Subaccount and transferred to the Subaccount or
Subaccounts designated to receive the funds, each month on the Monthly Policy
Date (starting with the Monthly Policy Date next succeeding the date that the
reallocation of the Accumulated Value out of the Money Market Subaccount and
into the other Subaccounts would normally have occurred after expiration of the
10-day free look period after the Owner receives the Policy, or next succeeding
the date of an election subsequent to purchase), until the amount in the Money
Market Fund is depleted. The minimum monthly transfer by Dollar Cost Averaging
is $100, except for the transfer which reduces the amount in the Money Market
Subaccount to zero. An Owner may discontinue Dollar Cost Averaging at any time
by sending an appropriate







<PAGE>   43
change request form to the Home Office. The dollar cost averaging feature may
not be used to transfer Accumulated Value to the Fixed Account.

         This feature allows an Owner to move funds into the various investment
types on a more gradual and systematic basis than the frequency on which
premiums are paid. The periodic investment of the same amount will result in
higher numbers of units being purchased when unit prices are lower, and lower
numbers of units being purchased when unit prices are higher. This will result,
over time, in a lower cost per unit than the average of the unit costs on the
days on which the automated purchases are made. This technique will not,
however, assure a profit or protect against a loss in declining markets.
Moreover, for the dollar cost averaging technique to be effective, amounts
should be available for allocation from the Money Market Subaccount through
periods of low price levels as well as higher price levels.

         Portfolio Rebalancing. This feature permits an Owner to automatically
rebalance the value in the Subaccounts on a quarterly, semi-annual or annual
basis, based on the Owner's premium allocation percentages in effect at the time
of the rebalancing. It may be elected at issue by marking the appropriate box on
the initial application, or, after issue, by completing a change request form
and sending it to the Home Office.

         In Policies utilizing Portfolio Rebalancing from the Date of Issue, an
automatic transfer will take place which causes the percentages of the current
values in each Subaccount to match the current premium allocation percentages,
starting with the Monthly Policy Date three, six or twelve months after the Date
of Issue, and then on each Monthly Policy Date three, six or twelve months
thereafter. Policies electing Portfolio Rebalancing after issue will have the
first automated transfer occur as of the Monthly Policy Date on or next
following the date that the election is received at the Home Office, and
subsequent rebalancing transfers will occur every three, six or twelve months
from such date. An Owner may discontinue Portfolio Rebalancing at any time by
submitting an appropriate change request form to the Home Office.

         In the event that an Owner changes the Policy's premium allocation
percentages, Portfolio Rebalancing will automatically be discontinued unless the
Owner specifically directs otherwise.

         Portfolio Rebalancing will result in periodic transfers out of
Subaccounts that have had relatively favorable investment performance in
relation to the other Subaccounts to which a Policy allocates premiums, and into
Subaccounts which have had relatively unfavorable investment performance in
relation to the other Subaccounts to which the Policy allocates premiums.

                             THE GENERAL ACCOUNT

            An Owner may allocate some or all of the Net Premiums and transfer
some or all of the Accumulated Value to National Life's Fixed Account. National
Life credits interest on Net Premiums and Accumulated Value allocated to the
Fixed Account at rates declared by National Life (subject to a minimum
guaranteed interest rate of 4%). The principal, after deductions, is also
guaranteed. National Life's Fixed Account supports its insurance and annuity
obligations. All assets in the Fixed Account are subject to National Life's
general liabilities from business operations.

            The Fixed Account has not, and is not required to be, registered
with the SEC under the Securities Act of 1933, and the Fixed Account has not
been registered as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of
1940. Therefore, the Fixed Account and the interests therein are generally not
subject to regulation under the 1933 Act or the 1940 Act. The disclosures
relating to this account which are included in this Prospectus are for your
information and have not been reviewed by the SEC. However, such disclosures
may be subject to certain generally applicable provisions of the Federal
securities laws relating to the accuracy and completeness of statements made in
prospectuses.

MINIMUM GUARANTEED AND CURRENT INTEREST RATES







<PAGE>   44

            The Accumulated Value not held as Collateral in the Fixed Account is
guaranteed to accumulate at a minimum effective annual interest rate of 4%.
National Life may credit the non-loaned Accumulated Value in the Fixed Account
with current rates in excess of the minimum guarantee but is not obligated to
do so. These current interest rates are influenced by, but do not necessarily
correspond to, prevailing general market interest rates. Since National Life,
in its sole discretion, anticipates changing the current interest rate from
time to time, allocations to the Fixed Account made at different times are
likely to be credited with different current interest rates. An interest rate
will be declared by National Life each month to apply to amounts allocated or
transferred to the Fixed Account in that month. The rate declared on such
amounts will remain in effect for twelve months. At the end of the 12-month
period, National Life reserves the right to declare a new current interest rate
on such amounts and accrued interest thereon (which may be a different current
interest rate than the current interest rate on new allocations to the Fixed
Account on that date). Any interest credited on the amounts in the Fixed
Account in excess of the minimum guaranteed rate of 4% per year will be
determined in the sole discretion of National Life. The Owner assumes the risk
that interest credited may not exceed the guaranteed minimum rate.

            Amounts deducted from the non-loaned Accumulated Value in the Fixed
Account for Withdrawals, Policy loans, transfers to the Variable Account,
Monthly Deductions or other charges are currently, for the purpose of crediting
interest, accounted for on a last in, first out ("LIFO") method.

            National Life reserves the right to change the method of crediting
interest from time to time, provided that such changes do not have the effect
of reducing the guaranteed rate of interest below 4% per annum or shorten the
period for which the interest rate applies to less than 12 months.

            Calculation of Non-loaned Accumulated Value in the Fixed Account.
The non-loaned Accumulated Value in the Fixed Account at any time is equal to
amounts allocated and transferred to it plus interest credited to it, minus
amounts deducted, transferred or withdrawn from it.

            Interest will be credited to the non-loaned Accumulated Value in the
Fixed Account on each Monthly Policy Date as follows: for amounts in the account
for the entire Policy Month, from the beginning to the end of the month; for
amounts allocated to the account during the prior Policy Month, from the date
the Net Premium or loan repayment is allocated to the end of the month; for
amounts transferred to the account during the Policy Month, from the date of
transfer to the end of the month; and for amounts deducted or withdrawn from the
account during the prior Policy Month, from the beginning of the month to the
date of deduction or withdrawal.

TRANSFERS FROM FIXED ACCOUNT

            One transfer in each Policy Year is allowed from the amount of
non-loaned Accumulated Value in the Fixed Account to any or all of the
Subaccounts of the Variable Account. The amount transferred from the Fixed
Account may not exceed the greater of 25% of the value of the non-loaned
Accumulated Value in such account at the time of transfer, or $1000. The
transfer will be made as of the Valuation Day National Life receives the written
or telephone request at its Home Office.

                             OTHER POLICY PROVISIONS

         Indefinite Policy Duration. The Policy can remain in force indefinitely
(in Texas and Maryland, however, the Policy matures at the younger Insured's
Attained Age 100 at which time National Life will pay the Cash Surrender Value
to the Owner in one sum unless a Payment Option is chosen, and the Policy will
terminate). However, for a Policy to remain in force after the younger Insured
reaches Attained Age 100, if the Face Amount is greater than the Accumulated
Value, the Face Amount will automatically be decreased to the current
Accumulated Value, and all Accumulated Value is transferred to the Fixed
Account. Also, at the younger Insured's Attained Age 100 Option B automatically
becomes Option A, and no premium payments are allowed after the younger
Insured's Attained Age 100, although loan repayments are allowed. Monthly
Deductions cease at the younger Insured's Attained Age 100. The tax treatment of
a Policy's Accumulated Value after Age 100 is unclear, and the Owner may wish to
discuss this treatment with a tax advisor.







<PAGE>   45
         Payment of Policy Benefits. The Owner may decide the form in which
Death Benefit proceeds will be paid. During the lifetime of either of the two
Insureds, the Owner may arrange for the Death Benefit to be paid in a lump sum
or under a Settlement Option. These choices are also available upon surrender of
the Policy for its Cash Surrender Value. If no election is made, payment will be
made in a lump sum. The Beneficiary may also arrange for payment of the Death
Benefit in a lump sum or under a Settlement Option. If paid in a lump sum, the
Death Benefit under a Policy will ordinarily be paid to the Beneficiary within
seven days after National Life receives proof of the death of both of the
Insureds at its Home Office and all other requirements are satisfied. If paid
under a Settlement Option, the Death Benefit will be applied to the Settlement
Option within seven days after National Life receives proof of the death of both
of the Insureds at its Home Office and all other requirements are satisfied.

         Interest at the annual rate of 4% or any higher rate  declared by 
National Life or required by law is paid on the Death Benefit from the date of 
death of the last to die of the two Insureds until payment is made.

         Any amounts payable as a result of surrender, Withdrawal, or Policy
loan will ordinarily be paid within seven days of receipt of written request at
National Life's Home Office in a form satisfactory to National Life.

         Generally, the amount of a payment will be determined as of the date of
receipt by National Life of all required documents. However, National Life may
defer the determination or payment of such amounts if the date for determining
such amounts falls within any period during which: (1) the disposal or valuation
of a Subaccount's assets is not reasonably practicable because the New York
Stock Exchange is closed or conditions are such that, under the SEC's rules and
regulations, trading is restricted or an emergency is deemed to exist; or (2)
the SEC by order permits postponement of such actions for the protection of
National Life policyholders. National Life also may defer the determination or
payment of amounts from the Fixed Account for up to six months.

         National Life may postpone any payment  under the Policy  derived from
an amount paid by check or draft until  National  Life is satisfied  that the 
check or draft has been paid by the bank upon which it was drawn.

         The Contract. The Policy and a copy of the applications attached
thereto are the entire contract. Only statements made in the applications can be
used to void the Policy or deny a claim. The statements are considered
representations and not warranties. Only one of National Life's duly authorized
officers or registrars can agree to change or waive any provisions of the Policy
and only in writing. As a result of differences in applicable state laws,
certain provisions of the Policy may vary from state to state.

         Ownership. The Owner is named in the application or thereafter changed.
While either of the two Insureds is living, the Owner is entitled to exercise
any of the rights stated in the Policy or otherwise granted by National Life. If
the Owner dies before the last to die of the two Insureds, these rights will
vest in the estate of the Owner, unless otherwise provided.

         Beneficiary. The Beneficiary is designated in the application for the
Policy, unless thereafter changed by the Owner during the lifetime of either of
the two Insureds by written notice to National Life. The interest of any
Beneficiary who dies before the last to die of the two Insureds shall vest in
the Owner unless otherwise stated.

         Change of Owner and Beneficiary. As long as the Policy is in force, the
Owner or Beneficiary may be changed by written request in a form acceptable to
National Life. The change will take effect as of the date it is signed, whether
or not the Insureds are living when the request is received by National Life.
National Life will not be responsible for any payment made or action taken
before it receives the written request.

         Split Dollar Arrangements. The Owner or Owners may enter into a Split
Dollar Arrangement between each other or another person or persons whereby the
payment of premiums and the right to receive the benefits under the Policy
(i.e., Cash Surrender Value or Death Benefit) are split between the parties.
There are different ways of allocating such rights.

         For example, an employer and employee might agree that under a Policy
on the lives of the employee and his or her spouse, the employer will pay the
premiums and will have the right to receive the Cash Surrender Value. 








<PAGE>   46
The employee may designate the Beneficiary to receive any Death Benefit in
excess of the Cash Surrender Value. If the employee and his or her spouse both
die while such an arrangement is in effect, the employer would receive from the
Death Benefit the amount which the employer would have been entitled to receive
upon surrender of the Policy and the employee's Beneficiary would receive the
balance of the proceeds.

         No transfer of Policy rights pursuant to a Split Dollar Arrangement
will be binding on National Life unless in writing and received by National
Life.

         The parties who elect to enter into a Split Dollar Arrangement should
consult their own tax advisers regarding the tax consequences of such an
arrangement.

         Assignments. The Owner may assign any and all rights under the Policy.
No assignment binds National Life unless in writing and received by National
Life at its Home Office. National Life assumes no responsibility for determining
whether an assignment is valid or the extent of the assignee's interest. All
assignments will be subject to any Policy loan. The interest of any Beneficiary
or other person will be subordinate to any assignment. A payee who is not also
the Owner may not assign or encumber Policy benefits, and to the extent
permitted by applicable law, such benefits are not subject to any legal process
for the payment of any claim against the payee.

         Misstatement of Age and Sex. If the age or sex of either of the two
Insureds at the Date of Issue has been misstated in the application, the
Accumulated Value of the Policy will be adjusted to be the amount that it would
have been had the Cost of Insurance Charges deducted been based on the correct
age and sex, or as otherwise required by state law. The adjustment will take
place on the Monthly Policy Date on or after the date on which National Life has
proof to its satisfaction of the misstatement. If both of the Insureds have
died, National Life will adjust the Accumulated Value as of the last Monthly
Policy Date prior to the last to die of the Insureds' death; however, if the
Accumulated Value is insufficient for that adjustment, the amount of the
Unadjusted Death Benefit will also be adjusted.

         Suicide. In the event that either Insured dies by suicide, while sane
or insane, within two years from the Date of Issue of the Policy (except where
state law requires a shorter period), or within two years of the effective date
of a reinstatement (unless otherwise required by state law), National Life's
liability is limited to the payment to the Beneficiary of a sum equal to the
premiums paid less any Policy loan and accrued interest and any Withdrawals
(since the date of reinstatement, in the case of a suicide within two years of
the effective date of a reinstatement), or other reduced amount provided by
state law.

         If either Insured dies by suicide within two years (or shorter period
required by state law) from the effective date of any Policy change which
increases the Unadjusted Death Benefit and for which an application is required,
the amount which National Life will pay with respect to the increase will be the
Cost of Insurance Charges previously made for such increase (unless otherwise
required by state law).

         Incontestability. The Policy will be incontestable after it has been in
force during both Insured's lifetimes for two years from the Date of Issue (or
such other date as required by state law). Similar incontestability will apply
to an increase in Face Amount or reinstatement after it has been in force during
both Insureds' lifetimes for two years from its effective date.

         Before such times, however, National Life may contest the validity of 
the Policy (or changes) based on material misstatements in the initial or any 
subsequent application.


         Dividends.  The Policy is participating; however, no dividends are 
expected to be paid on the Policy. If dividends are ever declared, they will 
be paid in cash, or paid in the form required by the applicable state.

         Correspondence.  All correspondence to the Owner is deemed to have 
been sent to the Owner if mailed to the Owner at the Owner's last known address.








<PAGE>   47
         Settlement Options. In lieu of a single sum payment on death or
surrender, an election may be made to apply the Death Benefit under any one of
the fixed-benefit Settlement Options provided in the Policy. The options are
described below.

                        Payment of Interest Only. Interest at a rate of 3.5% per
         year will be paid on the amount of the proceeds retained by National
         Life. Upon the earlier of the payee's death or the end of a chosen
         period, the proceeds retained will be paid.

                        Payments for a Stated Time.  Equal monthly payments, 
         based on an interest rate of 3.5% per annum, will be made for the 
         number of years selected.

                        Payments for Life. Equal monthly payments, based on an
         interest rate of 3.5% per annum, will be made for a guaranteed period
         and thereafter during the life of a chosen person. Guaranteed payment
         periods may be elected for 0, 10, 15, or 20 years or for a refund
         period, at the end of which the total payments will equal the proceeds
         placed under the option.

                        Payments of a Stated Amount. Equal monthly payments will
         be made until the proceeds, with interest at 3.5% per year on the
         unpaid balance, have been paid in full. The total payments in any year
         must be at least $10 per month for each thousand dollars of proceeds
         placed under this option.

                        Life Annuity. Equal monthly payments will be made in the
         same manner as in the above Payments for Life option except that the
         amount of each payment will be the monthly income provided by National
         Life's then current settlement rates on the date the proceeds become
         payable. No additional interest will be paid.

                        Joint and Two Thirds Annuity. Equal monthly payments,
         based on an interest rate of 3.5% per year, will be made while two
         chosen persons are both living. Upon the death of either, two-thirds of
         the amount of those payments will continue to be made during the life
         of the survivor. National Life may require proof of the ages of the
         chosen persons.

                        50% Survivor Annuity. Equal monthly payments, based on
         an interest rate of 3.5% per year, will be made during the lifetime of
         the chosen primary person. Upon the death of the chosen primary person,
         50% of the amount of those payments will continue to be made during the
         lifetime of the secondary chosen person. National Life may require
         proof of the ages of the chosen persons.

         National Life may pay interest in excess of the stated amounts under
the first four options listed above, but not the last three. A right to change
options or to withdraw all or part of the remaining proceeds may be included in
the first two, and the fourth, options above. For additional information
concerning the payment options, see the Policy.

                                OPTIONAL BENEFITS

         The following optional benefits, which are subject to the restrictions
and limitations set forth in the applicable Policy Riders, may be included in a
Policy at the option of the Owner, if the Insureds meet any applicable
underwriting requirements (election of any of these optional benefits may
involve an additional cost):

GUARANTEED DEATH BENEFIT

         If the Guaranteed Death Benefit Rider is elected, National Life will
guarantee that the Policy will not lapse, regardless of the Policy's investment
performance, either for the entire lifetimes of the Insureds, or until the
younger Insured's Attained Age 80, whichever is elected by the Owner. Riders
which guarantee that the Policy will not lapse prior to the younger Insured's
Attained Age 80 will have lower Monthly Guarantee Premiums (and therefore lower
Cumulative Guarantee Premiums) than Riders which guarantee that the Policy will
not lapse for the entire lifetimes of the Insureds.






<PAGE>   48
         To keep this Rider in force, cumulative premiums paid must be greater
than the Cumulative Guarantee Premium from the Date of Issue. The Policy will be
tested monthly for this qualification, and if not met, a notice will be sent to
the Owner, who will have 61 days from the date the notice is mailed to pay a
premium sufficient to keep the Rider in force. The premium required will be an
amount equal to the Cumulative Guarantee Premium from the Date of Issue, plus
two times the Monthly Guarantee Premium, minus the sum of all premiums
previously paid. The Rider will be cancelled if a sufficient premium is not paid
during that 61-day period.

         The cost of the Guaranteed Death Benefit Rider is $0.01 per thousand 
of Face Amount per month.  This Rider is available only at issue, and only if 
at least 50% of the Face Amount consists of Basic Coverage.

         If while the Guaranteed Death Benefit Rider is in force, the
Accumulated Value of the Policy is not sufficient to cover the Monthly
Deductions, Monthly Deductions will be made until the Accumulated Value of the
Policy is exhausted, and will thereafter be deferred, and collected at such time
as the Policy has positive Accumulated Value. For as long as Cash Surrender
Value is zero, failure to have paid the Cumulative Guarantee Premium as of any
Monthly Policy Date will cause the Guaranteed Death Benefit Rider to enter a 61
day lapse pending notification period. If a sufficient premium, as set forth
above, is not paid during this period, the Rider will be cancelled and if the
Cash Surrender Value is still zero, the Policy will enter a Grace Period, and
will lapse if the Grace Period expires without a sufficient premium payment (see
"Payment and Allocation of Premiums - Policy Lapse", Page    ).

         If the Face Amount of a Policy subject to the Guaranteed Death Benefit
Rider is increased or the Death Benefit Option is changed from Option A to
Option B, the Rider's guarantee will extend to the increased Face Amount. This
will result in increased Monthly Guarantee Premiums.

         For Policies with the Guaranteed Death Benefit Rider, Withdrawals and
Policy loans will be limited to the excess of premiums paid over the Cumulative
Guarantee Premium, if the Owner wishes to keep the Rider in force. If a Policy
loan or Withdrawal for an amount greater than such excess is desired, the
Guaranteed Death Benefit Rider will enter a 61-day lapse-pending notification
period, and will be cancelled if a sufficient premium is not paid.

         THE GUARANTEED DEATH BENEFIT RIDER IS NOT AVAILABLE IN TEXAS OR 
         MASSACHUSETTS.

ADDITIONAL PROTECTION BENEFIT

            The Additional Protection Benefit Rider may be used to provide a
higher Face Amount by adding Additional Coverage to the Policy. This Rider is
available only at issue, or after issue only by submitting an application to
National Life with evidence satisfactory to National Life of insurability of
both Insureds. Additional Coverage must be in an amount of at least $50,000, and
cannot exceed three times the Basic Coverage.

            Adding to the Face Amount of the Policy through the Additional
Protection Benefit Rider can offer a cost savings over adding to the Face Amount
by increasing the Basic Coverage. Specifically, since there is no Target Premium
associated with Additional Coverage, Additional Coverage does not result in any
increase in the Surrender Charge, and there is no per $1000 Monthly
Administrative Charge associated with Additional Coverage. The cost of the Rider
is that a Cost of Insurance Charge is included in the Monthly Deductions for the
Additional Coverage - the guaranteed cost of insurance rate applicable to the
Additional Coverage will generally be higher than the rate applicable to Basic
Coverage, but current cost of insurance rates may be either higher or lower for
the Additional Coverage than for the Basic Coverage.

POLICY SPLIT OPTION

            If the Policy Split Option Rider is elected, the Owner will have the
right to split the Face Amount and Accumulated Value of a Policy into two single
life whole life insurance contracts on the lives of each of the two Insureds, in
the event of divorce or a material change in federal estate tax law. The two
single life contracts may be any traditional whole life insurance, universal or
variable life insurance contract then offered by National Life. 







<PAGE>   49
This Rider is available only at issue, only to Insureds legally married to each
other, only where both Insureds are not in a substandard Rate Class with a
rating in excess of 250% and not uninsurable, and only where neither Insured is
older than age 80. Exercise of the option to split the Policy will be allowed
without evidence of insurability, but only within 180 days of the date of a
final divorce decree relating to the Insureds, or within 180 days of the
occurrence of any of the following changes in federal estate tax law: (1) a
material decrease in the amount of the Unlimited Marital Deduction, as defined
in the Code; (2) a reduction by 50% or more of the federal Unified Credit, as
defined in the Code; and (3) a reduction of 25% or more of the percentage
federal estate tax rate applicable to the estate of the surviving spouse.

            The two new policies will have an issue date of the date of the
split, and will be based on the Insureds' ages as of the date of the split. The
Rate Classes of each of the Insureds will be the Rate Class for such Insured for
the most recently issued coverage segment under the Policy. The Owner may select
the face amounts of the new policies, as long as the total of the two face
amounts does not exceed the Face Amount of the Policy on the date of the split,
and neither of the face amounts on the two new policies exceeds 50% of the Face
Amount on the Policy. If the face amounts of the new policies are not equal, and
the Policy is jointly owned, then the consent of all Owners to the split is
required. The Accumulated Value, and any Policy loans and accrued interest, will
be split in proportion to the Face Amount split, and the total of the
accumulated values and any policy loans and accrued interest of the new
individual contracts will equal the Accumulated Value of the Policy. There will
not be new suicide and incontestability periods for the new individual policies
as of the date of the split if they had expired on the Policy prior to the
split, but if such periods had not expired, then the remaining time to
expiration will be transferred to the new Policies.

            There is no cost for the Policy Split Option Rider, except that a
fixed charge of $200 will also be assessed at the time of the split to cover
administrative costs. The Rider may be cancelled at any time by the Owner, and
will automatically terminate on its exercise, on the date of death of the first
of the two Insureds to die, or on the date that the older of the Insureds
reaches Attained Age 85. Any other Riders applicable to the Policy will
terminate upon exercise of the Policy Split Option.

ESTATE PRESERVATION RIDER

            The Estate Preservation Rider is designed for use in situations in
which a Policy is issued outside of an irrevocable life insurance trust but is
expected to be transferred into such a trust within a year after the Date of
Issue. This Rider provides four years of additional last survivor term coverage
on the two Insureds. The Death Benefit of a Policy which includes this Rider,
net of incremental estate taxes owed as a result of the Policy, should be at
least equal to the Death Benefit provided by the Policy not including the Rider.
This Rider is available only at issue and only where the Insureds are legally
married to each other.

            The cost of the Estate Preservation Rider is that the Cost of
Insurance Charge will include a charge for the death benefit coverage included
by this Rider, at the same rates that apply to the Face Amount of the Policy.
The coverage provided by this Rider will be level, regardless of whether Option
A or Option B applies to the Face Amount of the Policy. The amount of coverage
will be the initial Face Amount multiplied by a fraction the numerator of which
is 0.55 and the denominator of which is 1-0.55, or 0.45. 0.55 is used in the
above formula because the maximum estate tax rate is currently 55%.

            Any decrease in Face Amount  during the first four Policy Years 
will result in a proportionate reduction in the coverage provided by the 
Estate Preservation Rider.

            The Estate Preservation Rider will terminate on the first Policy
Anniversary, if the Owner of the Policy has not become an irrevocable life
insurance trust by that time. If the Owner has become an








<PAGE>   50
irrevocable life insurance trust by such time, then the Rider will automatically
terminate at the end of the fourth Policy Year.

TERM RIDER

            The Term Rider allows an Owner to add individual life term coverage
on either or both of the two Insureds. The Term Rider is available at any time,
subject to submission of an application with evidence of insurability
satisfactory to National Life, on Insureds with Issue Ages from 20 through 70.
The Term Rider coverage is renewable through age 80. The maximum amount of Term
Rider coverage for each Insured is 50% of the Face Amount of the Policy. Cost of
Insurance Charges included in the Monthly Deductions will include amounts
associated with the individual life term coverage. The cost of insurance rates
for the term Rider will be set forth in the Rider.

CONTINUING COVERAGE RIDER

            The Continuing Coverage Rider allows an Owner to extend coverage at
the Face Amount of a Policy beyond the younger Insured's age 100 if the Policy
is still in force at that time. This Rider is available both at issue and after
issue, but in each case only if the younger Insured is no older than Attained
Age 75.

            On the date that the extension of coverage occurs, the Policy's
Accumulated Value will be transferred to the Fixed Account, and no further
transfers will be permitted. The Monthly Deductions will be set to zero. No
further Premium Payments will be accepted. All other rights and benefits will
continue while the Policy is in force.

            The charge for the Continuing Coverage Rider is $2 per $1000,
applied to the Net Amount at Risk. The charge will begin at the younger
Insured's Attained Age 90. At the time charges begin for this Rider, Policies
with Death Benefit Option B will automatically be changed to Death Benefit
Option A.

            The tax consequences associated with continuing a Policy beyond
age 100 of the younger Insured are uncertain.

ENHANCED DEATH BENEFIT RIDER

The Enhanced Death Benefit Rider provides an enhanced Death Benefit at a
targeted age for the younger Insured. The target age is selected by the Owner.
The Rider operates by increasing the otherwise applicable specified percentages
that are shown in the Policy and which may be applied in determining the Death
Benefit, for the 9 Attained Ages equal to or closest to the targeted Attained
Age, by the following percentages:

            Target Age - 4:  2%      Target Age -1:  8%      Target Age + 2:  6%
            Target Age - 3:  4%      Target Age: 10%         Target Age + 3:  4%
            Target Age - 2:  6%      Target Age +1:  8%      Target Age + 4:  2%

            In addition, starting with the fourth year prior to the target age,
the specified percentages will be changed to those shown in the Rider, which
increases the specified percentages in a linear fashion until the target age,
before the addition of the percentages set forth in the table above.

            The minimum target age that may be selected by the Owner is the
later of the younger Insured's Attained Age 70 and 15 years after the Date of
Issue. The maximum target age that may be selected is Attained Age 95 of the
younger Insured. Once selected, the target age may not be changed. This Rider
may be cancelled at any time, but if cancelled, cannot be reinstated.







<PAGE>   51
            There is no cost for the Enhanced Death Benefit Rider. However, if
the Rider's increases in the specified percentages result in an increase in
Death Benefit at ages near the target age, the Net Amount at Risk will be higher
than if the Rider did not apply, and the Cost of Insurance Charges will be
commensurately higher at those ages.

            This Rider is available only at issue, and only where the younger
Insured's Attained Age is 80 or less.

AUTOMATIC INCREASE RIDER

            The Automatic Increase Rider will provide for regular increases in
Face Amount. The Owner may elect that such increases be effected annually in
amounts equal to either of 5% or 10% of the sum of the Face Amount of the Policy
at issue plus all previous increases resulting from this Rider. The Owner may
also elect annual increases of a level amount equal to the Owner's planned
periodic premiums for the Policy. In either case, the maximum increase that can
be effected by means of the Automatic Increase Rider is 100% of the Face Amount
of the Policy at issue.

            Increases in Face Amount effected by means of the Automatic Increase
Rider will be similar to Additional Coverage in that there will be no Target
Premium associated with them, so that there will be no Surrender Charge and no
per $1000 Monthly Administrative Charge associated with these increases.

            The cost of the Rider is that the Cost of Insurance Charge for the
Policy will include amounts for the increase segments as they become effective.
Guaranteed cost of insurance rates that will be applied to increases effected
through this Rider will be set forth in the Rider. 

            An Automatic Increase Rider terminates (a) at the request of the
Owner, (b) when the younger insured reaches Attained Age 81, (c) when the
maximum total increase is reached, (d) on the death of the first to die of the
Insureds, or (e) when a requested decrease in Face Amount becomes effective.
Termination of the Rider does not cancel previously added increases.

            This Rider is available only at issue, only if the younger Insured's
Issue Age is at least 20 and less than 71, and only if neither Insured is in an
Uninsurable Rate Class.

                        FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS

INTRODUCTION

         The following summary provides a general description of the federal
income tax considerations associated with the Policy and does not purport to be
complete or to cover all situations. This discussion is not intended as tax
advice. Counsel or other competent tax advisors should be consulted for more
complete information. This discussion is based upon National Life's
understanding of the present federal income tax laws as they are currently
interpreted by the Internal Revenue Service (the "Service"). No representation
is made as to the likelihood of continuation of the present Federal income tax
laws or of the current interpretations by the Service.

TAX STATUS OF THE POLICY

         In order to qualify as a life insurance contract for federal income tax
purposes, the policy must meet the definition of a life insurance contract which
is set forth in Section 7702 of the Code. The manner in which Section 7702
should be applied to certain features of the Policy is not directly addressed by
Section 7702 or any guidance issued to date under Section 7702. Nevertheless,
National Life believes it is reasonable to conclude that the Policy 







<PAGE>   52
will meet the Section 7702 definition of a life insurance contract. In the
absence of final regulations or other pertinent interpretations of Section
7702, however, there is necessarily some uncertainty as to whether a Policy
will meet the life insurance contract definition, particularly if the Owner
pays the full amount of premiums permitted under the Policy. An Owner
contemplating the payment of such premiums should do so only after consulting a
tax adviser. If a Policy were determined not to be a life insurance contract
for purposes of Section 7702, such Policy would not provide the tax advantages
normally provided by a life insurance policy.

         If it is subsequently determined that a Policy does not satisfy Section
7702, National Life may take whatever steps are appropriate and necessary to
attempt to cause such a Policy to comply with Section 7702. For these reasons,
National Life reserves the right to restrict Policy transactions as necessary to
attempt to qualify it as a life insurance contract under Section 7702.

         Section 817(h) of the Code requires that the investments of each
Subaccount of the Variable Account must be "adequately diversified" in
accordance with Treasury regulations in order for the Policy to qualify as a
life insurance contract under Section 7702 of the Code (discussed above). The
Variable Account, through the Funds, intends to comply with the diversification
requirements prescribed in Treas. Reg. Section 1.817-5, which affect how each
Fund's assets are to be invested. National Life believes that the Variable
Account will, thus, meet the diversification requirement, and National Life will
monitor continued compliance with this requirement. In certain circumstances,
owners of variable life insurance contracts may be considered the owners, for
federal income tax purposes, of the assets of the separate accounts used to
support their contracts. In those circumstances, income and gains from the
separate account assets would be includible in the variable contract owner's
gross income. The Service has stated in published rulings that a variable
contract owner will be considered the owner of separate account assets if the
contract owner possesses incidents of ownership in those assets, such as the
ability to exercise investment control over the assets. The Treasury Department
has also announced, in connection with the issuance of regulations concerning
diversification, that those regulations "do not provide guidance concerning the
circumstances in which investor control of the investments of a segregated asset
account may cause the investor (i.e., the Owner), rather than the insurance
company, to be treated as the owner of the assets in the account." This
announcement also stated that guidance would be issued by way of regulations or
rulings on the "extent to which policyholders may direct their investments to
particular subaccounts without being treated as owners of the underlying
assets."

         The ownership rights under the Policy are similar to, but different in
certain respects from, those described by the Service in rulings in which it was
determined that Policy Owners were not owners of separate account assets. For
example, the Owner has additional flexibility in allocating premium payments and
Accumulated Value. These differences could result in an Owner being treated as
the owner of a pro rata portion of the assets of the Variable Account. In
addition, National Life does not know what standards will be set forth, if any,
in the regulations or rulings which the Treasury Department has stated it
expects to issue. National Life therefore reserves the right to modify the
Policy as necessary to attempt to prevent an Owner from being considered the
owner of a pro rata share of the assets of the Variable Account.

         The following discussion assumes that the Policy will qualify as a life
insurance contract for Federal income tax purposes.

TAX TREATMENT OF POLICY BENEFITS

         In General. National Life believes that the proceeds and cash value
increases of a Policy should be treated in a manner consistent with a
fixed-benefit life insurance policy for Federal income tax purposes. Thus, the
Unadjusted Death Benefit under the Policy should be excludable from the gross
income of the Beneficiary under Section 101(a)(1) of the Code.

         Depending on the circumstances, an increase or decrease in a Policy's
Face Amount, the exchange of a Policy, a change in the Policy's Death Benefit
Option (i.e., a change from Death Benefit Option A to Death Benefit Option B or
vice versa), a Policy loan, a Withdrawal, a surrender, a change in ownership,
or an assignment of the Policy may have Federal income tax consequences.








<PAGE>   53
         Generally, the Owner will not be deemed to be in constructive receipt
of the Accumulated Value, including increments thereof, until there is a
distribution. The tax consequences of distributions from, and loans taken from
or secured by, a Policy depend on whether the Policy is classified as a
"Modified Endowment Contract". Whether a Policy is or is not a Modified
Endowment Contract, upon a complete surrender or lapse of a Policy or when
benefits are paid at a Policy's maturity date, if the amount received plus the
amount of indebtedness exceeds the total investment in the Policy, the excess
will generally be treated as ordinary income subject to tax.

         Modified Endowment Contracts. Section 7702A establishes a class of
life insurance contracts designated as "Modified Endowment Contracts." The
rules for determining whether a Policy will be classified as a Modified
Endowment Contract generally apply when a Policy is entered into, materially
changed, or the death benefit is reduced.

         Due to the Policy's flexibility, classification as a Modified Endowment
Contract will depend on the individual circumstances of each Policy. In general,
a Policy will be a Modified Endowment Contract if the accumulated premiums paid
at any time during the first seven Policy Years exceeds the sum of the net
level premiums which would have been paid on or before such time if the Policy
provided for paid-up future benefits after the payment of seven level annual
premiums. The determination of whether a Policy will be a Modified Endowment
Contract after a material change generally depends upon the relationship of the
Unadjusted Death Benefit and Accumulated Value at the time of such change and
the additional premiums paid in the seven years following the material change.
A policy may also become a Modified Endowment Contract if there is a reduction
in the Policy's death benefit at any time. At the time a premium is credited, or
the death benefit is reduced, which would cause the Policy to become a Modified
Endowment Contract, National Life will notify the Owner's agent of action or
actions that may be taken to prevent the Policy from becoming a Modified
Endowment Contract. If after 30 days from contacting the agent, National Life
has not heard from the Owner, National Life will mail a letter directly to the
Owner notifying him or her of actions that may be taken to prevent the Policy
from becoming a Modified Endowment Contract. If after 30 days from mailing such
notification National Life has received no response, National Life will assume
the Owner wishes to take no action. If the Owner requests a refund of excess
premium, the excess premium paid (with appropriate interest) will be returned
to the Owner. The amount to be refunded will be deducted from the Accumulated
Value in the Variable Account and in the Fixed Account in the same proportion
as the premium payment was allocated to such accounts.

         The rules relating to whether a Policy will be treated as a Modified
Endowment Contract are extremely complex and cannot be adequately described in
the limited confines of this summary. Therefore, a current or prospective Owner
should consult with a competent advisor to determine whether a policy
transaction will cause the Policy to be treated as a Modified Endowment
Contract.

         Distributions from Policies Classified as Modified Endowment Contracts.
Policies classified as Modified Endowment Contracts will be subject to the
following tax rules: First, all distributions, including distributions upon
surrender and Withdrawals from such a Policy are treated as ordinary income
subject to tax up to the amount equal to the excess (if any) of the Accumulated
Value immediately before the distribution over the investment in the Policy
(described below) at such time. Second, loans taken from or secured by, such a
Policy are treated as distributions from such a Policy and taxed accordingly.
Past due loan interest that is added to the loan amount will be treated as a
loan. Third, a 10 percent additional income tax is imposed on the portion of
any distribution from, or loan taken from or secured by, such a Policy that is
included in income except where the distribution or loan is made on or after
the Owner attains age 59-1/2, is attributable to the Owner's becoming disabled,
or is part of a series of substantially equal periodic payments for the life
(or life expectancy) of the Owner or the joint lives (or joint life
expectancies) of the Owner and the Owner's Beneficiary.

         Distributions From Policies Not Classified as Modified Endowment
Contracts. Distributions from a Policy that is not a Modified Endowment
Contract, are generally treated as first recovering the investment in the Policy
(described below) and then, only after the return of all such investment in the
Policy, as distributing taxable income. An exception to this general rule occurs
in the case of a decrease in the Policy's Unadjusted Death Benefit or any other
change that reduces benefits under the Policy in the first 15 years after the
Policy is issued and that results in a cash distribution to the Owner in order
for the Policy to continue complying with the Section 7702 definitional limits.
Such a cash distribution will be taxed in whole or in part as ordinary income
(to the extent of any gain in the Policy) under rules prescribed in Section
7702.

         Loans from, or secured by, a Policy that is not a Modified  Endowment 
Contract are not treated as distributions.  Instead, such loans are treated as 
indebtedness of the Owner.








<PAGE>   54
            Finally, neither distributions (including distributions upon
surrender) nor loans from, or secured by, a Policy that is not a Modified
Endowment Contract are subject to the 10 percent additional tax.

         Policy Loan Interest.  Generally, interest paid on any loan under a 
Policy is not deductible.  A tax advisor should be consulted before 
deducting Policy loan interest.

            Investment in the Policy. Investment in the Policy means: (i) the
aggregate amount of any premiums or other consideration paid for a Policy,
minus (ii) the aggregate amount received under the Policy which is excluded
from gross income of the Owner (except that the amount of any loan from, or
secured by, a Policy that is a Modified Endowment Contract, to the extent
such amount is excluded from gross income, will be disregarded), plus (iii)
the amount of any loan from, or secured by, a Policy that is a Modified
Endowment Contract to the extent that such amount is included in the gross
income of the Owner.

            Multiple Policies. All Modified Endowment Contracts that are issued
by National Life to the same Owner during any calendar year are treated as
one Modified Endowment Contract for purposes of determining the amount
includible in the gross income under Section 72(e) of the Code.

         Taxation of Policy Split. The Policy Split Option Rider permits a
Policy to be split into two other fixed-benefit or variable-benefit life
insurance policies in certain situations. A Policy split could have adverse tax
consequences; for example, it is not clear whether a Policy split will be
treated as a non-taxable exchange under Sections 1031 through 1043 of the Code.
If a Policy split is not treated as a nontaxable exchange, a split could result
in the recognition of taxable income in an amount up to any gain in the Policy
at the time of the split. In addition, it is not clear whether, in all
circumstances, the individual contracts that result from a Policy split would
be classified as modified endowment contracts. Before exercising rights
provided by the Policy Split, it is important for an Owner to consult with a
tax adviser regarding the possible consequences of a Policy split.

         Other Tax Considerations. The transfer of a Policy or the designation
of a Beneficiary may have federal, state, and/or local transfer and inheritance
tax consequences, including the imposition of gift, estate and
generation-skipping transfer taxes. For example, the transfer of a Policy to,
or the designation as Beneficiary of, or the payments of proceeds to, a person
who is assigned to a generation which is two or more generations below the
generation assignment of the Owner, may have gift and generation skipping
transfer tax considerations under the Code.

         Generally, the proceeds of the Policy are includible in the gross
estate of the Insured if the Insured possess any "incidents of ownership" over
the Policy at death. "Incidents of ownership" generally includes the right to
receive economic benefits of the Policy as defined in Section 2042 of the Code
and applicable Treasury regulations. If the Insured never held incidents of
ownership over the Policy, or irrevocably transferred all interests in the
Policy to a third party (e.g., an irrevocable life insurance trust) more than
three years before death, the proceeds should be excluded from the Insured's
gross estate.

         The individual situations of each Owner or Beneficiary will determine
the extent, if any, to which federal, state or local transfer taxes may be
imposed. Prospective Owners should consult their tax advisers for specific
information in connection with these taxes. The Policies also may be used in
various arrangements, including nonqualified deferred compensation or salary
continuance plans, split dollar insurance plans, executive bonus plans, retiree
medical benefit plans and others. The tax consequences of such plans may vary
depending on the particular facts and circumstances of each individual
arrangement. Therefore, if you are contemplating the use of the Policies in any
arrangement the value of which depends in part on its tax consequences, you
should be sure to consult a qualified tax advisor regarding the tax attributes
of the particular arrangement.

POSSIBLE CHARGE FOR NATIONAL LIFE'S TAXES

         At the present time, National Life makes no charge for any Federal,
state or local taxes (other than state premium taxes or the DAC Tax) that the
Company incurs that may be attributable to the Variable Account or to the
Policies. National Life, however, reserves the right in the future to make a
charge for any such tax or other economic burden resulting from the application
of the tax laws that it determines to be properly attributable to the Accounts
or to the Policies. If any tax charges are made in the future, they will be
accumulated daily and transferred periodically from the Variable Account to
National Life's general account. Any investment earnings on tax charges
accumulated in the Variable Account will be retained by National Life.









<PAGE>   55
                                  VOTING RIGHTS

         All of the assets held in the Subaccounts of the Variable Account will
be invested in shares of corresponding Portfolios of the Funds. The Funds do not
hold routine annual shareholders' meetings. Shareholders' meetings will be
called whenever each Fund believes that it is necessary to vote to elect the
Board of Directors of the Fund and to vote upon certain other matters that are
required by the 1940 Act or other applicable law or governing documents to be
approved or ratified by the shareholders of a mutual fund. National Life is the
legal owner of Fund shares and as such has the right to vote upon any matter
that may be voted upon at a shareholders' meeting. However, in accordance with
the SEC's view of present applicable law, National Life will vote the shares of
the Funds at meetings of the shareholders of the appropriate Fund or Portfolio
in accordance with instructions received from Owners. Fund shares held in each
Subaccount of the Variable Account for which no timely instructions from Owners
are received will be voted by National Life in the same proportion as those
shares in that Subaccount for which instructions are received.

         Each Owner having a voting interest will be sent proxy material and a
form for giving voting instructions. Owners may vote, by proxy or in person,
only as to the Portfolios that correspond to the Subaccounts in which their
Policy values are allocated. The number of shares held in each Subaccount
attributable to a Policy for which the Owner may provide voting instructions
will be determined by dividing the Policy's Accumulated Value in that account by
the net asset value of one share of the corresponding Portfolio as of the record
date for the shareholder meeting. Fractional shares will be counted. For each
share of a Portfolio for which Owners have no interest, National Life will cast
votes, for or against any matter, in the same proportion as Owners vote.

         If required by state insurance officials, National Life may disregard
voting instructions if such instructions would require shares to be voted so as
to cause a change in the investment objectives or policies of one or more of the
Portfolios, or to approve or disapprove an investment policy or investment
adviser of one or more of the Portfolios. In addition, National Life may
disregard voting instructions in favor of certain changes initiated by an Owner
or the Fund's Board of Directors provided that National Life's disapproval of
the change is reasonable and is based on a good faith determination that the
change would be contrary to state law or otherwise inappropriate, considering
the portfolio's objectives and purposes, and the effect the change would have on
National Life. If National Life does disregard voting instructions, it will
advise Owners of that action and its reasons for such action in the next
semi-annual report to Owners.

         Shares of the Funds are currently being offered to variable life
insurance and variable annuity separate accounts of life insurance companies
other than National Life that are not affiliated with National Life. National
Life understands that shares of these Funds also will be voted by such other
life insurance companies in accordance with instructions from their
policyholders invested in such separate accounts. This will dilute the effect of
voting instructions of Owners of the Policies.

                CHANGES IN APPLICABLE LAW, FUNDING AND OTHERWISE

         The voting rights described in this Prospectus are created under
applicable Federal securities laws. To the extent that such laws or regulations
promulgated thereunder eliminate the necessity to solicit voting instructions
from Owners or restrict such voting rights, National Life reserves the right to
proceed in accordance with any such laws or regulations.

         National Life also reserves the right, subject to compliance with
applicable law, including approval of Owners, if so required: (1) to make
changes in the form of the Variable Account, if in its judgment such changes
would serve the interests of Owners or would be appropriate in carrying out the
purposes of the Policies, for example: (i) operating the Variable Account as a
management company under the 1940 Act; (ii) deregistering the Variable Account
under the 1940 Act if registration is no longer required; (iii) combining or
substituting separate accounts; (iv) transferring the assets of the Variable
Account to another separate account or to the Fixed Account; (v) making changes
necessary to comply with, obtain or continue any exemptions from the 1940 Act;
or (vi) making other technical changes in the Policy to conform with any action
described herein; (2) if in its judgment a 








<PAGE>   56
Portfolio no longer suits the investment goals of the Policy, or if tax or
marketing conditions so warrant, to substitute shares of another investment
portfolio for shares of such Portfolio; (3) to eliminate, combine, or
substitute Subaccounts and establish new Subaccounts, if in its judgment
marketing needs, tax considerations, or investment conditions so warrant; and
(4) to transfer assets from a Subaccount to another Subaccount or separate
account if the transfer in National Life's judgment would best serve interests
of Policy Owners or would be appropriate in carrying out the purposes of the
Policies; and (5) to modify the provisions of the Policies to comply with
applicable laws. National Life has reserved all rights in respect of its
corporate name and any part thereof, including without limitation the right to
withdraw its use and to grant its use to one or more other separate accounts
and other entities.

         If a Policy has Accumulated Value in a Subaccount that is eliminated,
National Life will give the Owner at least 30 days notice before the
elimination, and will request that the Owner designate the Subaccount or
Subaccounts (or the Fixed Account) to which the Accumulated Value in the
Subaccount to be eliminated should be transferred. If no such designation is
received prior to the date of the elimination, then the Accumulated Value in
such Subaccount will be transferred to the Money Market Subaccount. In any case,
if in the future a transfer charge is imposed or limits on the number of
transfers or free transfers are established, no charge will be made for this
transfer, and it will not count toward any limit on transfers or free transfers.

                    OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS OF NATIONAL LIFE

The officers and directors of National Life, as well as their principal
occupations during the past five years, are listed below.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION
NAME AND POSITION                                  DURING THE PAST FIVE YEARS
- -----------------                                  --------------------------
<S>                                                <C>
Patrick E. Welch                                   1997 to present - Chairman of the
     Chairman of the Board,                        Board and Chief Executive Officer;
     Chief Executive Officer,                      1992 to 1997 - Chairman of the
     and Director                                  Board, Chief Executive Officer
                                                   and President of GNA Corporation


Thomas H. MacLeay                                  1996 to Present - President and Chief
     President, Chief                              Operating Officer; 1993 to 1996 -
     Operating Officer,                            Executive Vice President & Chief
     and Director                                  Financial Officer

Robert E. Boardman                                 1994 to present - Chairman of Hickok &
</TABLE>







<PAGE>   57
<TABLE>
<S>                                                <C>
     Director                                      Boardman Financial Network
                                                   1967 to present - President of Hickok & Boardman Realty, Inc.


David R. Coates                                    1993 to present - Business
     Director                                      Consultant; 1987 to 1993 - Managing Partner of KPMG Peat 
                                                   Marwick in Burlington, VT


Benjamin F. Edwards III                            1983 to present - Chairman, President
     Director                                      and Chief Executive Officer of A.
                                                   G. Edwards, Inc.


Charles H. Erhart, Jr.                             Retired; 1989 to 1991 - President
     Director                                      of W. R. Grace & Company


Earle H. Harbison, Jr.                             1993 to present:  Chairman of
     Director                                      Harbison Walker, Inc.; 1986 to
                                                   1992 - President and Chief
                                                   Operating Officer of Monsanto Company


Roger B. Porter                                    1985 to present - Professor of Business
     Director                                      and Government, Harvard University; 1976 to
                                                   present - Member of the President's Commission
                                                   on White House Fellowships; 1993 to present,
                                                   Senior Scholar, Woodrow Wilson International
                                                   Center for Scholars

E. Miles Prentice III                              1997 to present - Partner in the law firm of Eaton & Van Winkle
     Director                                      1996 to 1996 - Partner in the law firm of Bryan Cave L.L.P.;            
                                                   1993 to 1996 - Partner in the law firm of Piper & Marbury 

Thomas P. Salmon                                   1991 to present - President, the University of
     Director                                      Vermont; Formerly Governor, State of Vermont


A. Gary Shilling                                   1978 to present - President of A.
     Director                                        Gary Shilling & Company, Inc.


Thomas R. Williams                                 1987 to present - President of the
     Director                                        Wales Group, Inc.


Patricia K. Woolf                                  1990 to present - Author, Consultant,
</TABLE>








<PAGE>   58

<TABLE>
<S>                                                <C>
     Director                                      and lecturer at the Department of
                                                   Molecular Biology at Princeton University

Rodney A. Buck                                     1996 to present - Senior Vice
     Senior Vice President &                       President and Chief Investment
     Chief Investment Officer                      Officer; 1993 to 1995 - Senior Vice President
                                                   -Investments; 1996 to present - Chairman &
                                                   Chief Executive Officer, National Life
                                                   Investment Management Company, Inc. ("NLIMC");
                                                   1991 to 1995 - President and Chief Operating
                                                   Officer, NLIMC; 1998 to present - Chief
                                                   Executive Officer - Sentinel Advisors Company;
                                                   1987 to 1997 - Senior Vice President -
                                                   Sentinel Advisors Company

Jeffrey P. Johnson                                 1997 to present - General Counsel;
     General Counsel                               1992 to present - Partner - Law Firm of
                                                   Primmer & Piper, P.C.

Craig A. Smith                                     1996 to present - Senior Vice President;                                    
     Senior Vice President -                       1993 to present - Senior Vice       
     Product                                       President - Product; 1992 to 1993 - 
                                                   Vice President - Product Development
</TABLE>







<PAGE>   59
                            DISTRIBUTION OF POLICIES

     Applications for the Policies are solicited by agents who are licensed by
state insurance authorities to sell National Life's variable life insurance
policies, and who are also registered representatives of Equity Services, Inc.
("ESI") or registered representatives of broker/dealers who have Selling
Agreements with ESI. ESI, whose address is National Life Drive, Montpelier,
Vermont 05604, is a registered broker/dealer under the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934 (the "1934 Act") and a member of the National Association of Securities
Dealers, Inc. (the "NASD").  ESI is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of
National Life.  ESI acts as the principal underwriter, as defined in the 1940
Act, of the Policies, and for the Variable Account pursuant to an Underwriting
Agreement to which the Variable Account, ESI and National Life are parties.
The Policies are offered and sold only in those states where their sale is
lawful.

     The insurance underwriting and the determination of a proposed Insured's
Rate Class and whether to accept or reject an application for a Policy is done
by National Life.  National Life will refund any premiums paid if a Policy
ultimately is not issued or will refund the applicable amount if the Policy is
returned under the free look  provision.

     Agents are compensated for sales of the Policies on a commission and
service fee basis and with other forms of compensation.  During the first
Policy Year, agent commissions will not be more than 50% of the premiums paid
up to a target amount (which is a function of Basic Coverage and which is used
primarily to determine commission payments) and 3% of the premiums paid in
excess of that amount.  For Policy Years 2 through 10, the agent commissions
will not be more than 4.0% of the premiums paid up to the target amount, and 3%
of premiums paid in excess of that amount.  For Year 11 and thereafter, agent
commissions will be 1.5% of all premiums paid. For premiums received in the
year following an increase in Basic Coverage and attributable to the increase,
agent commissions will not be more than 48.5% up to the target amount for the
increase.  Agents may also receive expense allowances.

                                 POLICY REPORTS

         At least once each Policy Year a statement will be sent to the Owner 
describing the status of the Policy, including setting forth the Face Amount,
the current Unadjusted Death Benefit, any Policy loans and accrued interest,
the current Accumulated Value, the non-loaned Accumulated Value in the Fixed
Account, the amount held as Collateral in the Fixed Account, the value in
each Subaccount of the Variable Account, premiums paid since the last report,
charges deducted since the last report, any Withdrawals since the last report,
and the current Cash Surrender Value.  National Life currently plans to send
such statements quarterly.  In addition, a statement will be sent to an Owner
showing the status of the Policy following the transfer of amounts from one
Subaccount of a Variable Account to another, or between the Fixed Account and
the Variable Account, the taking out of a loan, a repayment of a loan, a
Withdrawal and the payment of any premiums (excluding those paid by bank draft
or otherwise under the Automatic Payment Plan).







<PAGE>   60
         An Owner will be sent a semi-annual report containing the financial
statements of each Fund in which his or her Policy has Accumulated Value, as
required by the 1940 Act.

                                STATE REGULATION

         National Life is subject to regulation and supervision by the
Insurance Department of the State of Vermont which periodically examines its
affairs.  It is also subject to the insurance laws and regulations of all
jurisdictions where it is authorized to do business.  A copy of the Policy form
has been filed with, and where required approved by, insurance officials in
each jurisdiction where the Policies are sold.  National Life is required to
submit annual statements of its operations, including financial statements, to
the insurance departments of the various jurisdictions in which it does
business for the purposes of determining solvency and compliance with local
insurance laws and regulations.

                                    EXPERTS

         The Financial Statements listed on Page F-1 have been included in this
Prospectus, in reliance on the reports of Price Waterhouse LLP, independent
accountants, given on the authority of that firm as experts in accounting and
auditing.

         Actuarial matters included in the Prospectus have been examined by
Elizabeth H. MacGowan, A.S.A., MAAA, Associate Actuary -- Product Development
of National Life.
                                 LEGAL MATTERS

         Sutherland, Asbill & Brennan LLP of Washington, D.C. has provided 
advice on legal matters relating to certain aspects of Federal securities law
applicable to the issue and sale of the Policies.  Matters of Vermont law
pertaining to the Policies, including National Life's right to issue the
Policies and its qualification to do so under applicable laws and regulations
issued thereunder, have been passed upon by Jeffrey P. Johnson, General Counsel
of National Life.

         The Variable Account is not a party to any litigation.  There are no 
material legal proceedings involving National Life which are likely to have a
material adverse effect upon the Variable Account or upon the ability of
National Life to meet its obligations under the Policies. ESI is not engaged in
any litigation of any material nature.

         In recent years, life insurance companies have been named as defendants
in lawsuits, including class action lawsuits, relating to life insurance
pricing and sales practices. A number of these lawsuits have resulted in
substantial jury awards or settlements. During 1997 several lawsuits of this
nature were filed against National Life on behalf of purported classes of
persons who purchased certain insurance products from National Life. National
Life has highly meritorious defenses and believes that plaintiffs' claims are
entirely without merit and further, does not believe that these lawsuits will
have any material adverse effect upon its ability to meet its obligations under
the Policies.

         National Life is also party to ordinary routine litigation incidental
to the business, none of which is expected to have a material adverse effect
upon its ability to meet its obligations under the Policies.


                              FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

         The financial statements of National Life appear on the following
pages.  The financial statements of National Life should be distinguished from
any financial statements of the Variable Account and should be considered only
as bearing upon National Life's ability to meet its obligations under the
Policies.  No financial statements of the Variable Account are included herein
because, as of the date of this Prospectus, the Subaccounts of the Variable
Account that have been established to serve as investment options under the
Policies had no assets and had incurred no liabilities.







<PAGE>   61

                                   APPENDIX A
               ILLUSTRATION OF DEATH BENEFITS, ACCUMULATED VALUES
                            AND CASH SURRENDER VALUES

        The following tables illustrate how the Death Benefits, Accumulated
Values and Cash Surrender Values of a Policy may change with the investment
experience of the Variable Account. The tables show how the Death Benefits,
Accumulated Values and Cash Surrender Values of a Policy issued to an Insured of
a given age, sex and Rate Class would vary over time if the investment return on
the assets held in each Portfolio of each of the Funds were a uniform, gross,
annual rate of 0%, 6% and 12%.

        The tables on Pages A-2 to A-7 illustrate a Policy issued with the
Insureds being a male age 55 and a female age 50, each in the Preferred
Nonsmoker Rate Class with a Face Amount of $1,000,000 and Planned Periodic
Premiums of $10,000 paid at the beginning of each Policy Year. Both Death
Benefit Option A and Death Benefit Option B, are illustrated. The Death
Benefits, Accumulated Values and Cash Surrender Values would be lower if either
or both of the Insureds were in a standard nonsmoker, smoker, substandard or
uninsurable class since the cost of insurance charges are higher for these
classes. Also, the values would be different from those shown if the gross
annual investment returns averaged 0%, 6% and 12% over a period of years, but
fluctuated above and below those averages for individual Policy Years.

        The second column of the tables show the amount to which the premiums
would accumulate if an amount equal to those premiums were invested to earn
interest, after taxes, at 5% compounded annually. The columns shown under the
heading "Guaranteed" assume that throughout the life of the policy, the monthly
charge for cost of insurance is based on the maximum level permitted under the
Policy (based on the 1980 CSO Table); the columns under the heading "Current"
assume that throughout the life of the Policy, the monthly charge for cost of
insurance is based on the current cost of insurance rate, Premium Expense Charge
and Variable Account Charge, and for Policy Years after year 10, that the
currently expected reductions in the Premium Expense Charge, Variable Account
Charge and Monthly Administrative Charge are implemented.

        The amounts shown in all tables reflect an averaging of certain other
asset charges described below that may be assessed under the Policy, depending
upon how premiums are allocated. The totals of the asset charges reflected in
the Current and Guaranteed illustrations, including the Variable Account
Charge, are   % and   %, respectively. This total charge is based on an
assumption that an Owner allocates the Policy values equally among the
Subaccounts of the Variable Account.

        These asset charges reflect an investment advisory fee of   %, which
represents an average of the fees incurred by the Portfolios during 1997 and
expenses of   % which is based on an average of the actual expenses incurred by
the Portfolios during 1997, adjusted, as appropriate, to take into account
expense reimbursement arrangements expected to be in place for 1998. For
information on Fund expenses, see the prospectuses for the Funds accompanying
this prospectus. For some of the Portfolios, the annual expenses used in the
illustrations are net of certain reimbursements that may or may not continue.

        The tables also reflect the fact that no charges for Federal or state
income taxes are currently made against the Variable Accounts. If such a charge
is made in the future, it would take a higher gross annual rate of return to
produce the same Policy values.

        The tables illustrate the Policy values that would result based upon the
hypothetical investment rates of return if premiums are paid and allocated as
indicated, no amounts are allocated to the Fixed Account, and no Policy loans
are made. The tables are also based on the assumption that the Owner has not
requested an increase or decrease in the Face Amount, that no Withdrawals have
been made and no transfers have been made in any Policy Year, and that no Riders
have been purchased.

        Upon request, National Life will provide a comparable illustration based
upon the proposed Insureds' Ages and Rate Classes, the Death Benefit Option,
Face Amount, Planned Periodic Premiums and Riders requested.




<PAGE>   62



                                NATIONAL LIFE
SENTINEL ESTATE BUILDER LAST SURVIVOR FLEXIBLE PREMIUM ADJUSTABLE VARIABLE LIFE
                                  INSURANCE

                             $1,000,000 FACE AMOUNT
                 MALE INSURED ISSUE AGE 55, PREFERRED NONSMOKER
                FEMALE INSURED ISSUE AGE 50, PREFERRED NONSMOKER
               DEATH BENEFIT OPTION A    ANNUAL PREMIUM $10,000

ASSUMING HYPOTHETICAL GROSS ANNUAL RATE OF RETURN 0%


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     Guaranteed                                        Current
                 Premiums           -----------------------------------------         -------------------------------------------
End of           Accumulated        Accum-           Cash                             Accum-           Cash
Policy           at 5% Int.         ulated           Surrender        Death           ulated           Surrender          Death
Year             Per Year           Value            Value            Benefit         Value            Value              Benefit
- ----             --------           -----            -----            -------         -----            -----              -------
<S>              <C>                <C>              <C>              <C>             <C>              <C>                <C>
1
2
3
4
5

6
7
8
9
10

11
12
13
14
15

16
17
18
19
20
25
30
</TABLE>

The Death Benefit may, and the Accumulated Values and Cash Surrender Values
will, differ if premiums are paid in different amounts or frequencies.

IT IS EMPHASIZED THAT THE HYPOTHETICAL INVESTMENT RESULTS ARE ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY
AND SHOULD NOT BE DEEMED A REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR FUTURE INVESTMENT RESULTS.
ACTUAL INVESTMENT RESULTS MAY BE MORE OR LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN. THE DEATH
BENEFIT, ACCUMULATED VALUE AND CASH SURRENDER VALUE FOR A POLICY WOULD BE
DIFFERENT FROM THOSE SHOWN IF ACTUAL RATES OF INVESTMENT RETURN APPLICABLE TO
THE POLICY AVERAGED 0%, 6% OR 12% OVER A PERIOD OF YEARS, BUT ALSO FLUCTUATED
ABOVE OR BELOW THAT AVERAGE FOR INDIVIDUAL POLICY YEARS. THE DEATH BENEFIT,
ACCUMULATED VALUE AND CASH SURRENDER VALUE WOULD ALSO BE DIFFERENT FROM THOSE
SHOWN, DEPENDING ON THE INVESTMENT ALLOCATIONS MADE TO THE SUBACCOUNTS OF THE
VARIABLE ACCOUNT AND THE DIFFERENT RATES OF RETURN OF THE SUBACCOUNTS IF THE
ACTUAL RATES OF INVESTMENT RETURN APPLICABLE TO THE POLICY AVERAGED 0%, 6%, OR
12%, BUT VARIED ABOVE OR BELOW THAT AVERAGE FOR PARTICULAR SUBACCOUNTS. NO
REPRESENTATIONS CAN BE MADE THAT THESE HYPOTHETICAL RATES OF RETURN CAN BE
ACHIEVED FOR ANY ONE YEAR OR SUSTAINED OVER ANY PERIOD OF TIME.



<PAGE>   63



                                  NATIONAL LIFE
SENTINEL ESTATE BUILDER LAST SURVIVOR FLEXIBLE PREMIUM ADJUSTABLE VARIABLE LIFE
                                  INSURANCE

                             $1,000,000 FACE AMOUNT
                 MALE INSURED ISSUE AGE 55, PREFERRED NONSMOKER
                FEMALE INSURED ISSUE AGE 50, PREFERRED NONSMOKER
               DEATH BENEFIT OPTION A    ANNUAL PREMIUM $10,000

              ASSUMING HYPOTHETICAL GROSS ANNUAL RATE OF RETURN 6%


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    Guaranteed                                         Current
                Premiums          -------------------------------------------        --------------------------------------------
End of          Accumulated       Accum-            Cash                             Accum-            Cash
Policy          at 5% Int.        ulated            Surrender         Death          ulated            Surrender          Death
Year            Per Year          Value             Value             Benefit        Value             Value              Benefit
- ----            --------          -----             -----             -------        -----             -----              -------
<S>             <C>               <C>               <C>               <C>            <C>               <C>                <C>
1                                                                                                    
2                                                                                                    
3                                                                                                    
4                                                                                                    
5                                                                                                    
                                                                                                     
6                                                                                                    
7                                                                                                    
8                                                                                                    
9                                                                                                    
10                                                                                                   
                                                                                                     
11                                                                                                   
12                                                                                                   
13                                                                                                   
14                                                                                                   
15                                                                                                   

16                                                                                                   
17                                                                                                   
18                                                                                                   
19                                                                                                   
20                                                                                                   
25                                                                                                   
30                                                                                                   
</TABLE>

The Death Benefit may, and the Accumulated Values and Cash Surrender Values
will, differ if premiums are paid in different amounts or frequencies.

IT IS EMPHASIZED THAT THE HYPOTHETICAL INVESTMENT RESULTS ARE ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY
AND SHOULD NOT BE DEEMED A REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR FUTURE INVESTMENT RESULTS.
ACTUAL INVESTMENT RESULTS MAY BE MORE OR LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN. THE DEATH
BENEFIT, ACCUMULATED VALUE AND CASH SURRENDER VALUE FOR A POLICY WOULD BE
DIFFERENT FROM THOSE SHOWN IF ACTUAL RATES OF INVESTMENT RETURN APPLICABLE TO
THE POLICY AVERAGED 0%, 6% OR 12% OVER A PERIOD OF YEARS, BUT ALSO FLUCTUATED
ABOVE OR BELOW THAT AVERAGE FOR INDIVIDUAL POLICY YEARS. THE DEATH BENEFIT,
ACCUMULATED VALUE AND CASH SURRENDER VALUE WOULD ALSO BE DIFFERENT FROM THOSE
SHOWN, DEPENDING ON THE INVESTMENT ALLOCATIONS MADE TO THE SUBACCOUNTS OF THE
VARIABLE ACCOUNT AND THE DIFFERENT RATES OF RETURN OF THE SUBACCOUNTS IF THE
ACTUAL RATES OF INVESTMENT RETURN APPLICABLE TO THE POLICY AVERAGED 0%, 6%, OR
12%, BUT VARIED ABOVE OR BELOW THAT AVERAGE FOR PARTICULAR SUBACCOUNTS. NO
REPRESENTATIONS CAN BE MADE THAT THESE HYPOTHETICAL RATES OF RETURN CAN BE
ACHIEVED FOR ANY ONE YEAR OR SUSTAINED OVER ANY PERIOD OF TIME.



<PAGE>   64



                                  NATIONAL LIFE
SENTINEL ESTATE BUILDER LAST SURVIVOR FLEXIBLE PREMIUM ADJUSTABLE VARIABLE LIFE
                                  INSURANCE

                             $1,000,000 FACE AMOUNT
                 MALE INSURED ISSUE AGE 55, PREFERRED NONSMOKER
                FEMALE INSURED ISSUE AGE 50, PREFERRED NONSMOKER
               DEATH BENEFIT OPTION A    ANNUAL PREMIUM $10,000

              ASSUMING HYPOTHETICAL GROSS ANNUAL RATE OF RETURN 12%


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  Guaranteed                                           Current
                Premiums            ----------------------------------------          --------------------------------------------
End of          Accumulated         Accum-         Cash                               Accum-            Cash
Policy          at 5% Int.          ulated         Surrender         Death            ulated            Surrender          Death
Year            Per Year            Value          Value             Benefit          Value             Value              Benefit
- ----            --------            -----          -----             -------          -----             -----              -------
<S>             <C>                 <C>            <C>               <C>              <C>               <C>                <C>
1
2
3
4
5

6
7
8
9
10

11
12
13
14
15

16
17
18
19
20
25
30
</TABLE>

The Death Benefit may, and the Accumulated Values and Cash Surrender Values
will, differ if premiums are paid in different amounts or frequencies.

IT IS EMPHASIZED THAT THE HYPOTHETICAL INVESTMENT RESULTS ARE ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY
AND SHOULD NOT BE DEEMED A REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR FUTURE INVESTMENT RESULTS.
ACTUAL INVESTMENT RESULTS MAY BE MORE OR LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN. THE DEATH
BENEFIT, ACCUMULATED VALUE AND CASH SURRENDER VALUE FOR A POLICY WOULD BE
DIFFERENT FROM THOSE SHOWN IF ACTUAL RATES OF INVESTMENT RETURN APPLICABLE TO
THE POLICY AVERAGED 0%, 6% OR 12% OVER A PERIOD OF YEARS, BUT ALSO FLUCTUATED
ABOVE OR BELOW THAT AVERAGE FOR INDIVIDUAL POLICY YEARS. THE DEATH BENEFIT,
ACCUMULATED VALUE AND CASH SURRENDER VALUE WOULD ALSO BE DIFFERENT FROM THOSE
SHOWN, DEPENDING ON THE INVESTMENT ALLOCATIONS MADE TO THE SUBACCOUNTS OF THE
VARIABLE ACCOUNT AND THE DIFFERENT RATES OF RETURN OF THE SUBACCOUNTS IF THE
ACTUAL RATES OF INVESTMENT RETURN APPLICABLE TO THE POLICY AVERAGED 0%, 6%, OR
12%, BUT VARIED ABOVE OR BELOW THAT AVERAGE FOR PARTICULAR SUBACCOUNTS. NO
REPRESENTATIONS CAN BE MADE THAT THESE HYPOTHETICAL RATES OF RETURN CAN BE
ACHIEVED FOR ANY ONE YEAR OR SUSTAINED OVER ANY PERIOD OF TIME.



<PAGE>   65



                                NATIONAL LIFE
SENTINEL ESTATE BUILDER LAST SURVIVOR FLEXIBLE PREMIUM ADJUSTABLE VARIABLE LIFE
                                  INSURANCE

                             $1,000,000 FACE AMOUNT
                 MALE INSURED ISSUE AGE 55, PREFERRED NONSMOKER
                FEMALE INSURED ISSUE AGE 50, PREFERRED NONSMOKER
              DEATH BENEFIT OPTION B     ANNUAL PREMIUM $10,000

              ASSUMING HYPOTHETICAL GROSS ANNUAL RATE OF RETURN 0%


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    Guaranteed                                           Current
                Premiums             ------------------------------------------          -------------------------------------------
End of          Accumulated          Accum-           Cash                               Accum-            Cash
Policy          at 5% Int.           ulated           Surrender         Death            ulated            Surrender         Death
Year            Per Year             Value            Value             Benefit          Value             Value             Benefit
- ----            --------             -----            -----             -------          -----             -----             -------
<S>             <C>                  <C>              <C>               <C>              <C>               <C>               <C>
1
2
3
4
5

6
7
8
9
10

11
12
13
14
15

16
17
18
19
20
25
30
</TABLE>

The Death Benefit may, and the Accumulated Values and Cash Surrender Values
will, differ if premiums are paid in different amounts or frequencies.

IT IS EMPHASIZED THAT THE HYPOTHETICAL INVESTMENT RESULTS ARE ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY
AND SHOULD NOT BE DEEMED A REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR FUTURE INVESTMENT RESULTS.
ACTUAL INVESTMENT RESULTS MAY BE MORE OR LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN. THE DEATH
BENEFIT, ACCUMULATED VALUE AND CASH SURRENDER VALUE FOR A POLICY WOULD BE
DIFFERENT FROM THOSE SHOWN IF ACTUAL RATES OF INVESTMENT RETURN APPLICABLE TO
THE POLICY AVERAGED 0%, 6% OR 12% OVER A PERIOD OF YEARS, BUT ALSO FLUCTUATED
ABOVE OR BELOW THAT AVERAGE FOR INDIVIDUAL POLICY YEARS. THE DEATH BENEFIT,
ACCUMULATED VALUE AND CASH SURRENDER VALUE WOULD ALSO BE DIFFERENT FROM THOSE
SHOWN, DEPENDING ON THE INVESTMENT ALLOCATIONS MADE TO THE SUBACCOUNTS OF THE
VARIABLE ACCOUNT AND THE DIFFERENT RATES OF RETURN OF THE SUBACCOUNTS IF THE
ACTUAL RATES OF INVESTMENT RETURN APPLICABLE TO THE POLICY AVERAGED 0%, 6%, OR
12%, BUT VARIED ABOVE OR BELOW THAT AVERAGE FOR PARTICULAR SUBACCOUNTS. NO
REPRESENTATIONS CAN BE MADE THAT THESE HYPOTHETICAL RATES OF RETURN CAN BE
ACHIEVED FOR ANY ONE YEAR OR SUSTAINED OVER ANY PERIOD OF TIME.



<PAGE>   66
\


                                NATIONAL LIFE

SENTINEL ESTATE BUILDER LAST SURVIVOR FLEXIBLE PREMIUM ADJUSTABLE VARIABLE LIFE
                                  INSURANCE

                             $1,000,000 FACE AMOUNT
                 MALE INSURED ISSUE AGE 55, PREFERRED NONSMOKER
                FEMALE INSURED ISSUE AGE 50, PREFERRED NONSMOKER
               DEATH BENEFIT OPTION B    ANNUAL PREMIUM $10,000

              ASSUMING HYPOTHETICAL GROSS ANNUAL RATE OF RETURN 6%


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    Guaranteed                                              Current
                Premiums             ------------------------------------------          -------------------------------------------
End of          Accumulated          Accum-           Cash                               Accum-            Cash
Policy          at 5% Int.           ulated           Surrender         Death            ulated            Surrender         Death
Year            Per Year             Value            Value             Benefit          Value             Value             Benefit
- ----            --------             -----            -----             -------          -----             -----             -------
<S>             <C>                  <C>              <C>               <C>              <C>               <C>               <C>
1
2
3
4
5

6
7
8
9
10

11
12
13
14
15

16
17
18
19
20
25
30
</TABLE>

The Death Benefit may, and the Accumulated Values and Cash Surrender Values
will, differ if premiums are paid in different amounts or frequencies.

IT IS EMPHASIZED THAT THE HYPOTHETICAL INVESTMENT RESULTS ARE ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY
AND SHOULD NOT BE DEEMED A REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR FUTURE INVESTMENT RESULTS.
ACTUAL INVESTMENT RESULTS MAY BE MORE OR LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN. THE DEATH
BENEFIT, ACCUMULATED VALUE AND CASH SURRENDER VALUE FOR A POLICY WOULD BE
DIFFERENT FROM THOSE SHOWN IF ACTUAL RATES OF INVESTMENT RETURN APPLICABLE TO
THE POLICY AVERAGED 0%, 6% OR 12% OVER A PERIOD OF YEARS, BUT ALSO FLUCTUATED
ABOVE OR BELOW THAT AVERAGE FOR INDIVIDUAL POLICY YEARS. THE DEATH BENEFIT,
ACCUMULATED VALUE AND CASH SURRENDER VALUE WOULD ALSO BE DIFFERENT FROM THOSE
SHOWN, DEPENDING ON THE INVESTMENT ALLOCATIONS MADE TO THE SUBACCOUNTS OF THE
VARIABLE ACCOUNT AND THE DIFFERENT RATES OF RETURN OF THE SUBACCOUNTS IF THE
ACTUAL RATES OF INVESTMENT RETURN APPLICABLE TO THE POLICY AVERAGED 0%, 6%, OR
12%, BUT VARIED ABOVE OR BELOW THAT AVERAGE FOR PARTICULAR SUBACCOUNTS. NO
REPRESENTATIONS CAN BE MADE THAT THESE HYPOTHETICAL RATES OF RETURN CAN BE
ACHIEVED FOR ANY ONE YEAR OR SUSTAINED OVER ANY PERIOD OF TIME.



<PAGE>   67



                                NATIONAL LIFE
SENTINEL ESTATE BUILDER LAST SURVIVOR FLEXIBLE PREMIUM ADJUSTABLE VARIABLE LIFE
                                  INSURANCE

                             $1,000,000 FACE AMOUNT
                 MALE INSURED ISSUE AGE 55, PREFERRED NONSMOKER
                FEMALE INSURED ISSUE AGE 50, PREFERRED NONSMOKER
               DEATH BENEFIT OPTION B    ANNUAL PREMIUM $10,000

            ASSUMING HYPOTHETICAL GROSS ANNUAL RATE OF RETURN 12%


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>                                                                                
                                                      Guaranteed                                           Current
                Premiums             -------------------------------------------         -------------------------------------------
End of          Accumulated          Accum-           Cash                               Accum-            Cash
Policy          at 5% Int.           ulated           Surrender         Death            ulated            Surrender         Death
Year            Per Year             Value            Value             Benefit          Value             Value             Benefit
- ----            --------             -----            -----             -------          -----             -----             -------
<S>             <C>                  <C>              <C>               <C>              <C>               <C>               <C>
1
2
3
4
5

6
7
8
9
10

11
12
13
14
15

16
17
18
19
20
25
30
</TABLE>

The Death Benefit may, and the Accumulated Values and Cash Surrender Values
will, differ if premiums are paid in different amounts or frequencies.

IT IS EMPHASIZED THAT THE HYPOTHETICAL INVESTMENT RESULTS ARE ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY
AND SHOULD NOT BE DEEMED A REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR FUTURE INVESTMENT RESULTS.
ACTUAL INVESTMENT RESULTS MAY BE MORE OR LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN. THE DEATH
BENEFIT, ACCUMULATED VALUE AND CASH SURRENDER VALUE FOR A POLICY WOULD BE
DIFFERENT FROM THOSE SHOWN IF ACTUAL RATES OF INVESTMENT RETURN APPLICABLE TO
THE POLICY AVERAGED 0%, 6% OR 12% OVER A PERIOD OF YEARS, BUT ALSO FLUCTUATED
ABOVE OR BELOW THAT AVERAGE FOR INDIVIDUAL POLICY YEARS. THE DEATH BENEFIT,
ACCUMULATED VALUE AND CASH SURRENDER VALUE WOULD ALSO BE DIFFERENT FROM THOSE
SHOWN, DEPENDING ON THE INVESTMENT ALLOCATIONS MADE TO THE SUBACCOUNTS OF THE
VARIABLE ACCOUNT AND THE DIFFERENT RATES OF RETURN OF THE SUBACCOUNTS IF THE
ACTUAL RATES OF INVESTMENT RETURN APPLICABLE TO THE POLICY AVERAGED 0%, 6%, OR
12%, BUT VARIED ABOVE OR BELOW THAT AVERAGE FOR PARTICULAR SUBACCOUNTS. NO
REPRESENTATIONS CAN BE MADE THAT THESE HYPOTHETICAL RATES OF RETURN CAN BE
ACHIEVED FOR ANY ONE YEAR OR SUSTAINED OVER ANY PERIOD OF TIME.


<PAGE>   68
                                   APPENDIX B

                            To be filed by amendment


<PAGE>   69


                          UNDERTAKING TO FILE REPORTS

         Subject to the terms and conditions of Section 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, the undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes to file with
the Securities and Exchange Commission such supplementary and periodic
information, documents and reports as may be prescribed by any rule or
regulation of the Commission heretofore or hereafter duly adopted pursuant to
authority conferred in that section.

                             RULE 484 UNDERTAKING

         Article VI, Section 2 of the Bylaws of National Life Insurance Company
("National Life" or the "Company") provides that, in accordance with the
provisions of the Section, the Company shall indemnify directors, officers and
employees of the Company or any other corporation served at the request of the
Company, and their heirs, executors and administrators, shall be indemnified to
the maximum extent permitted by law against all costs and expenses, including
judgments paid, settlement costs, and counsel fees, reasonably incurred in the
defense of any claim in which such person is involved by virtue of his or her
being or having been such a director, officer, or employee.

         The Bylaws are filed as Exhibit 1.A.(7) to this Registration
Statement.

         Vermont law authorizes Vermont corporations to provide indemnification
to directors, officers and other persons.

         National Life owns a directors and officers liability insurance policy
covering liabilities that directors and officers of National Life and its
subsidiaries and affiliates may incur in acting as directors and officers.

         Insofar as indemnification for liability arising under the Securities
Act of 1933 (the "Act") may be permitted to directors, officers, and
controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or
otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the
Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public
policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable.  In the event
that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the
payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer,
or other controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any
action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or
controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the
Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been
settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction
the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as
expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such
issue.

                    REPRESENTATION RELATING TO FEES AND CHARGES

         [The representation required by Section 26(e)(2)(A) of the Investment
Company Act of 1940 will be included in a pre-effective amendment.]
        
<PAGE>   70
                      CONTENTS OF REGISTRATION STATEMENT

This Registration Statement comprises the following papers and documents.

         The facing sheet.

         The prospectus consisting of __ pages.  
         Undertaking to file reports.
         Rule 484 undertaking.
         Representation relating to fees and charges.
         The signatures.
         Written consents of the following persons:
                 (a) Jeffrey P. Johnson, Esq.*
                 (b) Elizabeth H. MacGowan, A.S.A., M.A.A.A.*
                 (c) Sutherland, Asbill & Brennan.*
                 (d) Price Waterhouse LLP.*

         The following exhibits, corresponding to those required by paragraph A
         of the instructions as to exhibits in Form N-8B-2:

         1.
           A.
                 (1)      Resolutions of the Board of Directors of National
                          Life Insurance Company establishing the National
                          Variable Life Insurance Account.**
                 (2)      Not Applicable.
                 (3)      (a)     Form of Distribution Agreement between
                                  National Life Insurance Company and Equity
                                  Services, Inc.****
                          (b)(1)  Form of Equity Services, Inc. Branch Office
                                  Supervisor Contract.**
                          (b)(2)  Form of Equity Services, Inc. Registered
                                  Representative Contract.**
                          (c)     Schedule of Sales Commissions.*
                 (4)      Not Applicable.
                 (5)      (a)     Specimen Sentinel Estate Builder Policy Form.
                          (b)     Rider for Guaranteed Death Benefit.
                          (c)     Rider for Additional Protection Benefit.
                          (d)     Rider for Policy Split Option.
                          (e)     Rider for Estate Preservation.
                          (f)     Rider for Annually Renewable Term.
                          (g)     Rider for Continuing Coverage.
                          (h)     Rider for Enhanced Death Benefit.
                          (i)     Rider for Automatic Increase.*
                 (6)      (a)     Charter documents of National Life Insurance
                                  Company.**
                          (b)     Bylaws of National Life Insurance Company.**
                 (7)      Not Applicable.
                 (8)      (a)     Form of Participation Agreement by and among
                                  Market Street Fund, Inc., National Life
                                  Insurance Company and Equity Services, 
                                  Inc.****
                          (a)(2)  Form of Amendment No. 1 to Participation
                                  Agreement among Market Street Fund, Inc., 
                                  National Life Insurance Company and Equity 
                                  Services, Inc.*
                          (b)     Form of Amendment No. 1 to Participation
                                  Agreement Among Variable Insurance Products
                                  Fund, Fidelity Distributors Corporation and
                                  National Life Insurance Company.****
                          (b)(2)  Participation Agreement among Variable
                                  Insurance Products Fund, Fidelity
                                  Distributors Corporation and Vermont Life
                                  Insurance Company (now National Life
                                  Insurance Comapny) dated August 1, 1989.***
                          (b)(3)  Form of Amendment No. 2 to Participation
                                  Agreement among Variable Insurance Products 
                                  Fund, Fidelity Distributors Corporation and 
                                  National Life Insurance Company.*
                          (c)     Form of Participation Agreement by and among
                                  The Alger American Fund, National Life
                                  Insurance Company and Fred Alger and 
                                  Company.****
                          (c)(2)  Form of Amendment No. 1 to Participation
                                  Agreement by and among The Alger American 
                                  Fund, National Life Insurance Company and 
                                  Fred Alger and Company.*

                          (d)     Form of Participation Agreement Among
                                  Variable Insurance Products Fund II, 
                                  Fidelity Distributors Corporation and
                                  Vermont Life Insurance Company (now National 
                                  Life Insurance Company) dated April 1, 
                                  1990*****

                          (d)(2)  Form of Amendment No 1. to Participation
                                  Agreement Among Variable Insurance Products 
                                  Fund II, Fidelity Distributors Corporation, 
                                  and National Life Insurance Company (as 
                                  successor to Vermont Life Insurance
                                  Company)******
                          (d)(3)  Form of Amendment No. 3 to Participation
                                  Agreement among Variable Insurance Products 
                                  Fund II, Fidelity Distributors Corporation 
                                  and National Life Insurance Company (as 
                                  successor to Vermont Life Insurance Company)*

<PAGE>   71
                 (9)      Not Applicable.
                 (10)(a)  Sentinel Estate Builder Application Form.
                 (11)     Memorandum describing issuance, transfer and
                          redemption procedures.*
         2.      Opinion and Consent of Jeffrey P. Johnson, Esq., as to the
                 legality of the securities being offered.*
         3.      Not Applicable.
         4.      Not Applicable.
         5.      Not Applicable.
         6.      Opinion and Consent of Elizabeth H. MacGowan, A.S.A., 
                 M.A.A.A., as to actuarial matters pertaining to the 
                 securities being registered.*
         7.      (a)      Consent of Price Waterhouse LLP.*
                 (b)      Consent of Sutherland, Asbill & Brennan LLP.*
         8.      Powers of Attorney for Directors.

                 A.       Robert E. Boardman

                 B.       

                 C.       Benjamin F. Edwards III

                 D.       E. Miles Prentice III

                 E.       A. Gary Shilling

                 F.       

                 G.       Roger B. Porter

                 H.       Thomas R. Williams

                 I.       

                 J.       Charles H. Erhart, Jr.

                 K.       Earle H. Harbison, Jr.
- ------------------      
*        To be filed by Amendment.

**       Incorporated herein by reference to the Form S-6 Registration
         Statement (File No. 33-91938) for National Variable Life Insurance
         Account filed on May 5, 1995.

***      Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 3
         to the Form S-6 Registration Statement (File No. 33-16470) for
         Vermont Variable Life Insurance Account filed April 30, 1990.

****     Incorporated herein by reference to Post Effective Amendment No. 1 to 
         S-6 Registration Statement File No. 33-91938 filed March 12, 1996, 
         Accession Number 0000950133-96-000202.

*****    Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 3 to
         the Form S-6 Registration Statement (File No. 33-16470) for Vermont 
         Variable Life Insurance Company filed April 30, 1990.

******   Incorporated herein by reference to Post Effective Amendment No. 2 to
         the Form S-6 Registration Statement (File No. 33-91938) filed April 
         30, 1997 (Accession Number 000.950133-97-001551).


<PAGE>   72



                                   SIGNATURES


         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the 
Registrant, National Variable Life Insurance Account, has duly caused this 
Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto 
duly authorized, in the City of Montpelier and the State of Vermont, on the 
21st day of January, 1998.

                                  NATIONAL VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE ACCOUNT
                                               (Registrant)

                                  By: NATIONAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY



Attest: /s/ LISA A. PETTREY       By: /s/ PATRICK E. WELCH
       ---------------------         -----------------------------
                                        Patrick E. Welch
         Assistant Secretary             Chairman of the Board and
                                         Chief Executive Officer


<PAGE>   73

                                   SIGNATURES

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, National
Life Insurance Company has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed
on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized, and its seal fixed
and attested, in the City of Montpelier and the State of Vermont, on the 21st
day of January, 1998.

                                  NATIONAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
(SEAL)                                      (Depositor)


Attest: /s/ LISA A. PETTREY       By: /s/ PATRICK E. WELCH
       ---------------------         -----------------------------
                                        Patrick E. Welch
         Assistant Secretary             Chairman of the Board and
                                         Chief Executive Officer


         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the
capacities indicated on the date(s) set forth below.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Signature                                          Title                             Date
- ---------                                          -----                             ----



<S>                                        <C>                                       <C>
/s/ PATRICK E. WELCH                       Chairman of the Board and                 January 21, 1998
- ------------------------                   and Chief Executive Officer               
Patrick E. Welch                          
                                           



/s/ THOMAS H. MACLEAY                      President, Chief Operating                January 21, 1998
- ------------------------                   Officer and Director                      
Thomas H. MacLeay                          



/s/ JOHN L. LAGUE, JR.                     Vice President & Controller               January 21, 1998
- ------------------------                   (Chief Accounting Officer)                
John L. LaGue, Jr.                         



Robert E. Boardman*                        Director
- ------------------                                                                   ------------            
Robert E. Boardman



                                           Director
- ---------------                                                                      ------------
David R. Coates
</TABLE>


<PAGE>   74


<TABLE>
<S>                                        <C>                             <C>
Benjamin F. Edwards III*                   Director
- -----------------------                                                              ------------
Benjamin F. Edwards III



Charles H. Erhart, Jr.*                    Director
- ----------------------                                                               ------------
Charles H. Erhart, Jr.


Earle H. Harbison, Jr.*                    Director
- ----------------------                                                               ------------
Earle H. Harbison, Jr.



Roger B. Porter*                           Director
- ----------------------                                                               ------------
Roger B. Porter



E. Miles Prentice, III*                    Director
- ----------------------                                                               ------------
E. Miles Prentice, III



                                           Director
- ----------------                                                                     ------------
Thomas P. Salmon


A. Gary Shilling*                          Director
- ----------------                                                                     ------------
A. Gary Shilling



Thomas R. Williams*                        Director
- ------------------                                                                   ------------
Thomas R. Williams



                                           Director
- -----------------                                                                    ------------
Patricia K. Woolf




*By /s/ PATRICK E. WELCH                                                   Date: January 21, 1998
   --------------------------
        Patrick E. Welch
        Pursuant to Power of Attorney
</TABLE>


<PAGE>   75


                                 EXHIBIT INDEX

         1.
           A.

                 (5)      (a)     Sentinel Estate Builder Policy Form

                          (b)     Rider for Guaranteed Death Benefit

                          (c)     Rider for Additional Protection Benefit

                          (d)     Rider for Policy Split option

                          (e)     Rider for Estate Preservation

                          (f)     Rider for Annually Renewable Term

                          (g)     Rider for Continuing Coverage

                          (h)     Rider for Enhanced Death Benefit

                 (10)     (a)     Sentinel Estate Builder Application Form.

         8.      Powers of Attorney for Directors.
                 a)       Robert E. Boardman
                 c)       Benjamin F. Edwards III
                 d)       E. Miles Prentice III
                 e)       A. Gary Shilling
                 g)       Roger B. Porter
                 h)       Thomas R. Williams
                 j)       Charles H. Erhart, Jr.
                 k)       Earle H. Harbison, Jr.



<PAGE>   1
                                                            EXHIBIT 1.A.(5)(a)  



                                    We, National Life Insurance Company, agree 
                                    to pay the Death Benefit to the 
                                    Beneficiary, subject to the terms of this 
                                    policy, when we receive at our Home Office 
                                    due proof that both of the Insureds died 
                                    while this policy was in force.

                                    The final section of this policy, General 
                                    Terms of this Policy, defines terms used 
                                    in this policy.



           ROLES IN THIS POLICY
           ---------------------------------------------------------------------

                                    If used, the term "estate" of any person 
                                    shall be deemed to be a designation of the 
                                    executors or administrators of that person's
                                    estate.

           OWNER

                                    The Owner holds all rights under this
                                    policy. The Owner may take action without
                                    the consent and against the interest of any
                                    revocable Beneficiary and any contingent
                                    owner. If the Owner has waived the right to
                                    change the Beneficiary, action may be taken
                                    by the Owner only with the written consent
                                    of all irrevocable Beneficiaries. These
                                    actions may be taken only during the lives
                                    of one or both of the Insureds.

                                    If an instrument of trust is identified as
                                    the Owner of this contract, ownership will
                                    extend to such trust as amended if the trust
                                    is amendable, or to the successor(s) in said
                                    trust or assigns.

           INSUREDS

                                    The Death Benefit becomes payable upon the
                                    death of the second of the Insureds to die.
                                    The Insureds, in their role as the Insureds,
                                    have no rights and receive no benefits under
                                    this policy.

           BENEFICIARY

                                    The Beneficiary receives the Death Benefit.
                                    Unless later changed, the Beneficiary shall
                                    be as stated in the application. The
                                    interest of any Beneficiary who predeceases
                                    the second of the Insureds to die shall vest
                                    in the Owner unless otherwise stated.

                                    Where two or more Beneficiaries are
                                    designated to take in the alternative based
                                    on the order of the Insureds' deaths and
                                    there is not sufficient evidence that the
                                    Insureds died other than simultaneously, one
                                    half of the Death Benefit shall be paid as
                                    if the first Insured had survived the second
                                    Insured, and one half shall be paid as if
                                    the second Insured had survived the first
                                    Insured. This shall not apply if the
                                    application or the Owner has provided for a
                                    different payment.

           CHANGE OF
           BENEFICIARY

                                    The Owner has the right to change the
                                    Beneficiary. If the Owner expressly waives
                                    this right, no change can be made without
                                    the written consent of the Beneficiary.

                                    A new Beneficiary may be named during the
                                    lives of one or both of the Insureds by
                                    filing at our Home Office written notice in
                                    such form as we may require. When notice is
                                    received at our Home Office, the change
                                    shall take effect as of the date the notice
                                    is signed whether or not either Insured is
                                    living at the time of receipt. We will not
                                    be liable for any payment we make before
                                    receipt of the written notice at our Home
                                    Office.


                                                 National Life Insurance Company
    One National Life * Montpelier, Vermont 05604 * (802) 229-3333 * www.nlv.com
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2349(1197)                                                                Page 1
<PAGE>   2

           TRUST 
           BENEFICIARY

                                    Unless an authorized officer or registrar of
                                    the Company explicitly agrees otherwise in
                                    writing, the following provision shall apply
                                    when a trust is named as Beneficiary.

                                    In no event is the Company responsible for
                                    the application or disposition of any
                                    proceeds it pays to a Trust Beneficiary.
                                    Payment to a Trust Beneficiary is a full
                                    discharge of the liability of the Company.
                                    If a designated trust provides for successor
                                    trustees, the designation in this policy
                                    includes successor trustees. Likewise, if
                                    the trust allows amendments, the trust, if
                                    so amended, remains as a designated
                                    Beneficiary.

                                    A Trust Beneficiary is considered to be a
                                    Beneficiary who did not survive the Insureds
                                    if:

                                          1.   the trust has been terminated; or

                                          2.   the specified testamentary trust
                                               does not qualify as such; or 

                                          3.   for any other reason a Trust 
                                               Beneficiary is not entitled to 
                                               any proceeds.
           UNNAMED 
           BENEFICIARY

                                    We may rely on an affidavit by any person
                                    who in our judgment knows the facts to
                                    identify any Beneficiary not specified by
                                    name. All our liability shall cease when we
                                    pay on the basis of such affidavit.

                                    If used, the term "children" of any person
                                    shall include only lawful children born to
                                    or legally adopted by that person.

           ASSIGNMENTS

                                    If this contract is assigned, such
                                    assignment shall transfer to the assignee
                                    the interest of:

                                          1.   any Beneficiary whom the assignor
                                               can change; and

                                          2.   any contingent owner.

                                    If the assignee acquires a right to
                                    proceeds, they shall be paid in one sum even
                                    though a Payment Option may be in effect at
                                    the time the assignment was signed. However,
                                    if we specifically agree, an assignment may
                                    limit the method of payment of any proceeds.

                                    We are not responsible for the validity or
                                    effect of any assignment of this policy. We
                                    will not recognize any assignment until it
                                    has been filed at our Home Office.

           SPENDTHRIFT 
           PROVISION

                                    If we receive at our Home Office written
                                    request by the Owner for this Spendthrift
                                    Provision, then, to the extent allowed by
                                    law and by this policy:

                                          1.   only the Owner may transfer, 
                                               anticipate, commute, or encumber
                                               the proceeds of this policy; and

                                          2.   only legal process against the
                                               Owner may affect the proceeds of
                                               this policy.

                                    Any proceeds payable after this request is
                                    withdrawn by the Owner shall not be affected
                                    by this provision.



           PREMIUMS
           ---------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                 National Life Insurance Company
    One National Life * Montpelier, Vermont 05604 * (802) 229-3333 * www.nlv.com
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2349(1197)                                                                Page 2
<PAGE>   3

           POLICY PROTECTION 
           PERIOD

                                    The first 60 months following the Date of
                                    Issue during which this policy remains
                                    continuously in force is referred to as the
                                    Policy Protection Period.

           MINIMUM INITIAL 
           PREMIUM

                                    A premium at least equal to the Minimum
                                    Initial Premium stated in the Data Section
                                    is due on the Date of Issue. Thereafter,
                                    premiums may be paid towards this policy,
                                    under the circumstances described below,
                                    until the Final Premium Acceptance Date
                                    stated in the Data Section.

           MINIMUM  
           MONTHLY 
           PREMIUM

                                    The Minimum Monthly Premium specific to this
                                    policy is stated in the Data Section. It is
                                    subject to change upon Changes in Face
                                    Amount and Death Benefit Option, and upon
                                    adding, changing, or deleting rider
                                    coverages on this contract.

           CUMULATIVE 
           MINIMUM 
           MONTHLY 
           PREMIUM

                                    The Cumulative Minimum Monthly Premium at
                                    any time is the sum of all Minimum Monthly
                                    Premiums in effect on this policy for all
                                    months elapsed since the Date of Issue.

                                    During the Policy Protection Period payment
                                    of total accumulated premiums, in excess of
                                    withdrawals and debt, at least equal to the
                                    Cumulative Minimum Monthly Premium, will
                                    keep the policy in force to the next Monthly
                                    Policy Date. This policy will always remain
                                    in force, both during the Policy Protection
                                    Period and beyond, as long as the Cash
                                    Surrender Value is sufficient to provide for
                                    Monthly Deductions.

           PLANNED PERIODIC 
           PREMIUMS

                                    The Planned Periodic Premiums are the
                                    premiums the Applicant has requested be
                                    billed. The Owner may change the amount or
                                    frequency of Planned Periodic Premiums at
                                    any time by sending a written notice to us
                                    at our Home Office.

                                    Planned Periodic Premiums, however, may not
                                    be more frequent than quarterly, except for
                                    policies which are part of a group or
                                    pension plan on which premiums are
                                    accepted monthly, or for policies on which
                                    the premiums are automatically withdrawn
                                    from a checking account according to the
                                    terms of a special billing arrangement
                                    agreed to by the Company.

                                    In addition, we will accept unscheduled
                                    premiums, which are premiums in addition to
                                    the Minimum Initial, Minimum Monthly, or
                                    Planned Periodic Premiums.

                                    All premiums are limited by a minimum and a
                                    maximum.  The minimum is $100 per premium 
                                    payment.  The maximum is any limit imposed 
                                    by the Internal Revenue Code for qualifying
                                    the policy as "Life Insurance" for Federal 
                                    Income Tax purposes. We will 



                                                 National Life Insurance Company
    One National Life * Montpelier, Vermont 05604 * (802) 229-3333 * www.nlv.com
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2349(1197)                                                                Page 3
<PAGE>   4

                                    not accept any premium in excess of the 
                                    maximum.  We will also not accept any 
                                    premium, the payment of which, through 
                                    application of the Death Benefit Standard, 
                                    increases the Death Benefit of this policy 
                                    by an amount exceeding the dollar amount of
                                    the premium paid.

                                    No premium will be accepted on this policy
                                    on or after the Final Premium Acceptance
                                    Date.

                                    The first premium may be paid to us either
                                    through our duly authorized agent in
                                    exchange for a receipt signed by that agent,
                                    or at our Home Office. All subsequent
                                    premiums must be paid to us at our Home
                                    Office, and will be credited and allocated
                                    on the day we receive them.

           NET PREMIUM

                                    A net premium is the amount of any premium
                                    paid after the deduction of the applicable
                                    Premium Tax and any Sales Load associated
                                    with that premium.

           PREMIUM TAX

                                    We will deduct from each premium paid
                                    percentages for the payment of premium taxes
                                    before allocating such premium to the
                                    Accumulated Value. The State Premium Tax
                                    percentage and the percentage for Taxes
                                    Attributed to Specified Policy Acquisition
                                    Expenses under Internal Revenue Code Section
                                    848 deducted from the premium paid as of the
                                    Date of Issue of the policy are stated in
                                    the Data Section. These percentages will
                                    change if new taxes are imposed or if the
                                    existing tax rates change.

           SALES CHARGE

                                    We will deduct from each premium paid
                                    percentages for the provision of a Sales
                                    Charge before allocating such premium to the
                                    Accumulated Value. The Current Sales Charge
                                    and the Guaranteed Maximum Sales Charge
                                    percentages are stated in the Data Section.

           PREMIUM 
           ALLOCATION

                                    The Owner has the right to designate the 
                                    allocation of net premiums among the Fixed
                                    Account and the Sub-Accounts of the Variable
                                    Account.  The initial allocation is shown in
                                    the Data Section. That portion of the 
                                    premium due on the Date of Issue which is 
                                    allocated to the Fixed Account will be
                                    transferred to the Fixed Account upon
                                    receipt. However, any portion of the premium
                                    due on the Date of Issue which is allocated
                                    to a Sub-Account of the Variable Account
                                    will be held in the Money Market Fund
                                    Sub-Account until the end of the 20th day
                                    following the Date of Issue. It will then be
                                    transferred to any other accounts as
                                    designated by the Owner.

                                    The allocation must be made in percentages.
                                    Each percentage must be a whole number. No
                                    allocation need be made to the Fixed Account
                                    or to any particular Sub-Account. Each
                                    allocation made must be at least five
                                    percent.

                                    The Owner may change the allocation of
                                    future premiums by notifying us in writing
                                    at our Home Office. Any allocation made will
                                    remain in effect until changed. We reserve
                                    the right to restrict the number of
                                    different Sub-Accounts to which premiums are
                                    allocated over the life of this contract to
                                    seventeen.

           GRACE PERIOD

                                    A Grace Period shall start:


                                                 National Life Insurance Company
    One National Life * Montpelier, Vermont 05604 * (802) 229-3333 * www.nlv.com
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2349(1197)                                                                Page 4
<PAGE>   5

                                    -     If on any Monthly Policy Date during 
                                          the Policy Protection Period,
                                          both of the following occur:

                                          1.   the amount of Cash Surrender 
                                               Value is smaller than the amount
                                               of the Monthly Deductions on that
                                               date; and

                                          2.   the Cumulative Minimum Monthly
                                               Premium is greater than a sum
                                               equal to: 

                                               a) all premiums paid; less 

                                               b) all withdrawals made; less 

                                               c) any debt to us on this policy.

                                    -     If on any Monthly Policy Date on or 
                                          after the end of the Policy Protection
                                          Period, the Cash Surrender Value is 
                                          smaller than the Monthly Deductions on
                                          such date.

                                    A Grace Period shall not be less than 61
                                    days. During a Grace Period this policy
                                    shall remain in force.

                                    The premium needed to keep the policy in
                                    force beyond a Grace Period shall be the net
                                    premium sufficient to produce a Cash
                                    Surrender Value equal to three times the
                                    Monthly Deduction due on the date the Grace
                                    Period began.

                                    We will mail notice of the premium needed to
                                    the Owner. If the premium needed is unpaid
                                    on the 61st day after the notice is sent,
                                    then the Grace Period shall end and this
                                    policy shall terminate without value. This
                                    policy shall then be null and void and all
                                    rights shall cease, except as may be
                                    provided in Reinstatement.

                                    A Grace Period will not begin solely because
                                    payments of Planned Periodic Premiums are
                                    discontinued. Whether or not premiums are
                                    paid, Charges Against the Accumulated Value
                                    will be made.

           REINSTATEMENT

                                    If this policy terminates after the end of a
                                    Grace Period, it may be reinstated. It must
                                    be reinstated on a Monthly Policy Date
                                    within five years from the start of such
                                    Grace Period.

                                    For Reinstatement we will require:

                                          1.   an application for Reinstatement;
                                               and

                                          2.   proof to our satisfaction that
                                               each Insured who was living at
                                               the end of the Grace Period is
                                               living and insurable; and

                                          3.   payment of a net premium which
                                               will make the Cash Surrender
                                               Value sufficient to provide: 

                                               a)   two times the Monthly 
                                                    Deduction due on the date 
                                                    the Grace Period began; plus

                                               b)   three times the Monthly 
                                                    Deduction due on the date of
                                                    Reinstatement.

                                    We will send the Owner notice of the
                                    required payment upon request.

                                    In the event of Reinstatement:

                                          1.   the Surrender Charge in effect on
                                               the Monthly Policy Date on which
                                               the Grace Period began shall
                                               become the Surrender Charge on
                                               the Monthly Policy Date of
                                               Reinstatement; and

                                          2.   the schedule of Surrender Charges
                                               for the policy months following
                                               the date the Grace Period began
                                               shall become the schedule of
                                               Surrender Charges for the policy
                                               months following the date of
                                               Reinstatement; and



                                                 National Life Insurance Company
    One National Life * Montpelier, Vermont 05604 * (802) 229-3333 * www.nlv.com
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2349(1197)                                                                Page 5
<PAGE>   6
                                          3.   the Sales Load in effect on the
                                               Monthly Policy Date on which the
                                               Grace Period began shall become
                                               the Sales Load on the Monthly
                                               Policy Date of Reinstatement; and

                                          4.   the schedule of Sales Loads for
                                               the policy months following the
                                               date the Grace Period began shall
                                               become the schedule of Sales
                                               Loads for the policy months
                                               following the date of
                                               Reinstatement; and

                                          5.   the Monthly Administration Charge
                                               in effect on the Monthly Policy
                                               Date on which the Grace Period
                                               began shall become the Monthly
                                               Administration Charge on the 
                                               Monthly Policy Date of 
                                               Reinstatement; and

                                          6.   the schedule of Monthly 
                                               Administration Charges for the 
                                               policy months following the date
                                               the Grace Period began shall 
                                               become the schedule of Monthly
                                               Administration Charges for the
                                               policy months following the date
                                               of Reinstatement; and

                                          7.   the Accumulated Value Charge in
                                               effect on the Monthly Policy Date
                                               on which the Grace Period began
                                               shall become the Accumulated
                                               Value Charge on the Monthly
                                               Policy Date of Reinstatement; and

                                          8.   the schedule of Accumulated Value
                                               Charges for the policy months
                                               following the date the Grace
                                               Period began shall become the
                                               schedule of Accumulated Value
                                               Charges for the policy months
                                               following the date of
                                               Reinstatement; and

                                          9.   the Policy Protection Period is
                                               terminated.


           DEATH BENEFIT AND POLICY CHANGES
           ---------------------------------------------------------------------
           DEATH BENEFIT

                                    We will pay the Death Benefit to the
                                    Beneficiary when we receive at our Home
                                    Office due proof that both Insureds died
                                    while this policy was in force. We will pay
                                    the Death Benefit in one sum unless a 
                                    Payment Option is chosen. If the Death 
                                    Benefit is paid in one sum, it shall be 
                                    increased by interest from the date we 
                                    receive proof of death of the second of the
                                    Insureds to die to the date of payment. We 
                                    will set the rate of interest at not less 
                                    than the Minimum Interest Paid on Death 
                                    Claims percentage shown in the Data Section.

           SUICIDE
           LIMITATION

                                    If either of the Insureds dies within two
                                    years of the Date of Issue as the result of
                                    suicide, while sane or insane, we will pay
                                    only a sum equal to:

                                          1. the premiums paid; less

                                          2. any debt to us on this policy; less

                                          3. any withdrawals made.

                                    This policy shall immediately terminate on
                                    the first such death by suicide. Payment
                                    will be made to the Beneficiary.

                                    A similar two year period shall apply to any
                                    increase in Face Amount for which an
                                    application is required. Such period shall
                                    begin on the Effective Date of any such
                                    increase. During such period if either
                                    Insured dies as the result of suicide, we
                                    will terminate the increase segment, and
                                    will refund to the Owner only a sum equal to
                                    the Cost of Insurance Charges that we have
                                    deducted from the Accumulated Value for such
                                    increase. However, if such increase became
                                    effective within two years after the
                                    Effective Date of a Reinstatement, we will
                                    pay only the amount set forth in the next
                                    paragraph.


                                                 National Life Insurance Company
    One National Life * Montpelier, Vermont 05604 * (802) 229-3333 * www.nlv.com
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2349(1197)                                                                Page 6
<PAGE>   7

                                    If this policy is reinstated, a similar two
                                    year period shall start from the Effective
                                    Date of the Reinstatement. During such
                                    period, if either Insured dies as the result
                                    of suicide, while sane or insane, we will
                                    pay only a sum equal to:

                                          1.   the premiums paid since the 
                                               Effective Date of the 
                                               Reinstatement; less

                                          2.   any debt to us on this policy;
                                               less

                                          3.   any withdrawals made since the 
                                               Effective Date of the 
                                               Reinstatement.

           NOTICE OF DEATH 
           AND CLAIMS

                                    The Owner must notify us as soon as
                                    reasonably possible of the death of each
                                    Insured. We may require proof whether both
                                    Insureds are living two years from the Date
                                    of Issue. On the death of the first Insured
                                    to die we will require the Owner to provide
                                    us with evidence of death and proof of age
                                    and, if the death is within two years from
                                    the Date of Issue, the cause of death.

           DEATH BENEFIT 
           OPTIONS

                                    The Owner may elect either of two Death
                                    Benefit Options, Option A or Option B, for
                                    the period prior to the Final Premium
                                    Acceptance Date. The Death Benefit Option in
                                    effect on this policy is stated in the Data
                                    Section.

           OPTION A

                                    Under Option A the Death Benefit shall be
                                    the greater of the Death Benefit Standard or
                                    the following:

                                          1.   the Face Amount on the date of 
                                               death of the second of the 
                                               Insureds to die; less

                                          2.   the amount of any Monthly 
                                               Deductions then due; less 

                                          3.   any debt to us on this policy.
           OPTION B

                                    Under Option B the Death Benefit shall be
                                    the greater of the Death Benefit Standard or
                                    the following:

                                          1.   the Face Amount on the date of 
                                               death of the second of the 
                                               Insureds to die; plus

                                          2.   the Accumulated Value of this
                                               policy on the date of death of
                                               the second of the Insureds to
                                               die; less

                                          3.   the amount of any Monthly 
                                               Deductions then due; less

                                          4.   any debt to us on this policy.

           DEATH BENEFIT 
           STANDARD

                                    The Death Benefit Standard is established in
                                    conformance with Section 7702 of the
                                    Internal Revenue Code, which defines "Life
                                    Insurance" for Federal Income Tax
                                    purposes.  The Death Benefit Standard is:

                                          1.   the Death Benefit Factor 
                                               multiplied by the Accumulated
                                               Value of the policy on the date 
                                               of death of the second of the 
                                               Insureds to die; less

                                          2.   the amount of any Monthly
                                               Deductions then due; less 

                                          3.   any debt to us on this policy.

                                    The Death Benefit Factors for this policy
                                    are stated in the Data Section.

           CHANGES IN FACE
           AMOUNT AND



                                                 National Life Insurance Company
    One National Life * Montpelier, Vermont 05604 * (802) 229-3333 * www.nlv.com
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2349(1197)                                                                Page 7
<PAGE>   8

           DEATH BENEFIT
           OPTION

                                    The Face Amount is the sum of the Base
                                    Coverage and any Additional Protection
                                    Benefit provided through an Additional
                                    Protection Benefit Rider attached to this
                                    policy.

                                    The Owner may request any of the following
                                    changes. We will make a change subject to
                                    the conditions stated. In addition, the
                                    following conditions apply to all of these
                                    changes:

                                          1. These changes may be made only
                                             after the first Policy Anniversary.

                                          2. Any change will initiate a 
                                             redetermination of the Minimum 
                                             Monthly Premium.

                                    We will send the Owner a revised or
                                    additional Data Section if any of these
                                    changes is made.

                                    FACE AMOUNT INCREASES.  A Face Amount 
                                    Increase may be made only while both 
                                    Insureds are living.

                                    Face Amount Increases may be made in
                                    conformance with our policy issue limits. We
                                    will require an application from the Owner
                                    and proof to our satisfaction that both
                                    Insureds are then insurable. An increase in
                                    Face Amount, and an associated
                                    redetermination of the Minimum Monthly
                                    Premium, shall be effective upon the Monthly
                                    Policy Date next following our approval. Any
                                    increase in Face Amount must be at least as
                                    large as the Minimum Increase Amount stated
                                    in the Data Section.

                                    Face Amount Increases may be limited by our
                                    condition that the Accumulated Value
                                    immediately following the increase must be
                                    at least equal to the sum of the Surrender
                                    Charges associated with the original
                                    coverage and the increase in coverage.

                                    FACE AMOUNT DECREASES. We will require a
                                    written request by the Owner. A decrease in
                                    Face Amount, and an associated
                                    redetermination of the Minimum Monthly
                                    Premium, shall be effective upon the Monthly
                                    Policy Date on or next following our receipt
                                    of the request.

                                    Decreases shall not be permitted which would
                                    reduce the Face Amount to less than any of
                                    the following:

                                    -            the minimum insurance
                                                 amount for which the policy
                                                 would qualify as "Life
                                                 Insurance" for Federal
                                                 Income Tax purposes under
                                                 the Internal Revenue Code; or

                                    -            the Minimum Base Coverage shown
                                                 in the Data Section; or

                                    -            75% of the largest Face Amount
                                                 in force at any time in the
                                                 twelve policy months 
                                                 immediately preceding our 
                                                 receipt of the request.

                                    A decrease in total coverage shall apply in
                                    the following order:

                                    -            first, to any increases in Face
                                                 Amount in the reverse order in
                                                 which they were made;

                                    -            second, to the Face Amount on 
                                                 the Date of Issue.

                                    If both an increase in Base Coverage and
                                    addition of Additional Protection Benefit
                                    were performed simultaneously, the
                                    Additional Protection Benefit will be
                                    removed first.

                                    DEATH BENEFIT OPTION CHANGES. The Death
                                    Benefit Option may be changed once each
                                    Policy Year prior to the Final Premium
                                    Acceptance Date. A Death Benefit Option
                                    Change may be made only while both Insureds
                                    are living. We will require a written
                                    request from the Owner. A change will be
                                    effective on the Monthly Policy Date on or
                                    next following our receipt of the request.
                                    The change will be made only if after such



                                                 National Life Insurance Company
    One National Life * Montpelier, Vermont 05604 * (802) 229-3333 * www.nlv.com
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2349(1197)                                                                Page 8
<PAGE>   9
                                    change the policy would qualify as "Life
                                    Insurance" for Federal Income Tax purposes
                                    under the Internal Revenue Code.

                                    Upon a change from Option A to Option B, the
                                    Face Amount shall decrease by an amount
                                    equal to the Accumulated Value of the policy
                                    just prior to the Effective Date of the
                                    change. However, the change may be made only
                                    if after such change the Face Amount would
                                    not be below the Minimum Base Coverage shown
                                    in the Data Section. The decrease in Face
                                    Amount will be performed in the order
                                    described in Face Amount Decreases, above.

                                    Upon a change from Option B to Option A, the
                                    Face Amount shall increase by an amount
                                    equal to the Accumulated Value just prior to
                                    the Effective Date of the change.

           INSURANCE 
           CONTINUATION

                                    On the Final Premium Acceptance Date stated
                                    in the Data Section, if this policy is still
                                    in force, the Face Amount of this policy
                                    will be set equal to the Accumulated Value,
                                    and the Death Benefit Option will
                                    automatically revert to Option A. The Death
                                    Benefit Option may not thereafter be
                                    changed, and no additional premium will be
                                    accepted on this policy. All Accumulated
                                    Value will be transferred to the Fixed
                                    Account, and no transfers will be thereafter
                                    allowed. All Monthly Deductions on this
                                    policy will cease. The Owner may, however,
                                    continue to access the Cash Surrender Value
                                    and to make or repay Policy Loans.


           INVESTMENT
           ---------------------------------------------------------------------

                                    Investment of the Accumulated Value of the 
                                    policy may be made in the Fixed Account 
                                    and/or in one or more of the Sub-Accounts of
                                    the National Variable Life Insurance Account
                                    (herein called the "Variable Account"). The
                                    Accumulated Value in the Variable Account is
                                    based on the investment experience of the 
                                    chosen Sub-Account(s) of the Variable
                                    Account, and may increase or decrease daily.
                                    It is not guaranteed as to dollar amount.

           FIXED ACCOUNT

                                    The Fixed Account is composed of the
                                    admitted assets of National Life Insurance
                                    Company other than those in the Variable
                                    Account or any other separate account.

           INTEREST RATES 
           CREDITED TO THE 
           ACCUMULATED 
           VALUE IN THE 
           FIXED ACCOUNT

                                    The rate of interest credited on any portion
                                    of the Accumulated Value in the Fixed
                                    Account shall never be less than the Minimum
                                    Fixed Account Interest Rate shown in the
                                    Data Section. We may credit interest at a
                                    higher interest rate. Any higher interest
                                    rate credited on Accumulated Value in the
                                    Fixed Account shall remain in effect for at
                                    least a one-year period.

                                    Allocations to the Fixed Account made at
                                    different times may be credited interest at
                                    different rates. Each month we will declare
                                    an interest rate to apply to amounts
                                    allocated



                                                 National Life Insurance Company
    One National Life * Montpelier, Vermont 05604 * (802) 229-3333 * www.nlv.com
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2349(1197)                                                                Page 9
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                                    or transferred to the Fixed Account during
                                    that month. The rate declared on such
                                    amounts will remain in effect for twelve
                                    months. At the end of the twelve month
                                    period, such amounts and accrued interest
                                    thereon will rollover for interest crediting
                                    at a new rate. The interest credited to such
                                    rollover amounts may be at a different rate
                                    than that applicable to new allocations to
                                    the Fixed Account on that date.

                                    Interest at different rates may be credited
                                    to:

                                          1.   that portion which is equal to
                                               any debt to us on this policy;
                                               and

                                          2.   any portion in excess of any such
                                               debt.
           VARIABLE 
           ACCOUNT

                                    The Variable Account is composed of assets
                                    owned by National Life Insurance Company.
                                    These assets are held separate and apart
                                    from Fixed Account assets. The Variable
                                    Account is devoted exclusively to the
                                    investment of assets of variable life
                                    insurance policies. Income, gains, and
                                    losses from assets allocated to the Variable
                                    Account, whether or not realized, are
                                    credited to or charged against such account
                                    without regard to our other income, gains,
                                    or losses. The portion of the assets of the
                                    Variable Account equal to the reserves and
                                    other liabilities for these policies shall
                                    not be chargeable with liabilities arising
                                    out of any other business which we may
                                    conduct.

                                    We may transfer assets which exceed the
                                    reserves and other liabilities of the
                                    Variable Account to our Fixed Account.

                                    The Variable Account is registered with the
                                    Securities and Exchange Commission as a
                                    unit investment trust under the Investment
                                    Company Act of 1940 ("the 1940 Act").
                                    It is also governed by applicable state law.
                                    We may make certain changes if, in our sole
                                    judgment, they would best serve the
                                    interests of the owners of policies such as
                                    this one or would be appropriate in carrying
                                    out the purposes of such policies. Any
                                    changes will be made only if permitted by
                                    applicable laws and regulations. Also, when
                                    required by law, we will obtain the approval
                                    of policyowners of the changes and the
                                    approval of any appropriate regulatory
                                    authority.

                                    For example, we may:

                                          1.   operate the Variable Account as a
                                               management company under the 1940
                                               Act;

                                          2.   deregister the Variable Account
                                               under the 1940 Act if 
                                               registration is no longer 
                                               required; and

                                          3.   combine or substitute Variable
                                               Accounts; and

                                          4.   create new Variable Accounts; and

                                          5.   transfer all or part of the 
                                               assets of the Variable Account to
                                               another Variable Account or to 
                                               the Fixed Account; and

                                          6.   add new investment funds or 
                                               remove existing investment funds;
                                               and

                                          7.   make any changes necessary to
                                               comply with, or obtain and 
                                               continue any exemptions from the
                                               1940 Act; and

                                          8.   make any other necessary
                                               technical changes in this policy
                                               to conform with any action this
                                               provision permits us to take.
           SUB-ACCOUNTS

                                    The Variable Account has several 
                                    Sub-Accounts.  Each Sub-Account will buy
                                    shares of an investment fund.  Each
                                    investment fund represents a separate
                                    investment portfolio.




                                                 National Life Insurance Company
    One National Life * Montpelier, Vermont 05604 * (802) 229-3333 * www.nlv.com
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2349(1197)                                                               Page 10
<PAGE>   11
                                    If, in our judgment, an investment fund no
                                    longer suits the investment goals of the
                                    policy, or tax or marketing conditions so
                                    warrant, we may substitute shares of another
                                    investment fund or shares of another
                                    investment company.

                                    Income and realized and unrealized gains or
                                    losses from the assets of each Sub- Account
                                    of the Variable Account are credited to or
                                    charged against that Sub-Account without
                                    regard to income, gains, or losses in the
                                    other Sub-Accounts of the Variable Account,
                                    the Fixed Account, or any other separate
                                    accounts. We reserve the right to credit or
                                    charge a Sub-Account in a different manner
                                    if required, or made appropriate, by reason
                                    of a change in the law. We maintain records
                                    of all purchases and redemptions of
                                    investment fund shares by each of the
                                    Sub-Accounts.

           VALUATION

                                    We will value the assets of each Sub-Account
                                    of the Variable Account on each Valuation
                                    Date.


           TRANSFERS

                                    Subject to any applicable Transfer Charges,
                                    the Owner may transfer Accumulated Value
                                    among the Sub-Accounts or to the Fixed
                                    Account without limitation. However, only
                                    one transfer from the Fixed Account to the
                                    Variable Account may be made during any
                                    Policy Year. The Accumulated Value
                                    transferred from the Fixed Account in any
                                    Policy Year may not exceed the greater of:

                                    -     25% of the unloaned portion of the
                                          Accumulated Value in the Fixed Account
                                          immediately prior to the transfer; and

                                    -     $1,000.


           POLICY VALUES
           ---------------------------------------------------------------------
           ACCUMULATED
           VALUE OF THE
           POLICY

                                    The Accumulated Value of the policy is equal
                                    to the sum of the Accumulated Value in the
                                    Fixed Account and the Accumulated Value in
                                    the Variable Account.

           ACCUMULATED
           VALUE IN THE
           FIXED ACCOUNT

                                    The Accumulated Value in the Fixed Account
                                    on any day is:

                                          1.   the Accumulated Value in the 
                                               Fixed Account on the just prior
                                               Monthly Policy Date, if any; plus

                                          2.   interest on the Accumulated Value
                                               in the Fixed Account on the just
                                               prior Monthly Policy Date from
                                               the just prior Monthly Policy
                                               Date to such day; plus

                                          3.   the amount of all net premiums
                                               accepted since the just prior
                                               Monthly Policy Date which are
                                               allocated to the Fixed Account;
                                               plus

                                          4.   interest on item (3) from the
                                               date of net premium allocation to
                                               the Fixed Account to such day;
                                               plus

                                          5.   the amount of all Accumulated
                                               Values transferred to the Fixed
                                               Account from a Sub-Account of the
                                               Variable Account since the just
                                               prior Monthly Policy Date; plus



                                                 National Life Insurance Company
    One National Life * Montpelier, Vermont 05604 * (802) 229-3333 * www.nlv.com
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2349(1197)                                                               Page 11
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                                          6.   interest on item (5) from the
                                               date of the transfer to such day;
                                               less 

                                          7.   the amount of all Accumulated
                                               Values transferred from the Fixed
                                               Account to a Sub-Account of the
                                               Variable Account since the just
                                               prior Monthly Policy Date; less

                                          8.   interest on item (7) from 
                                               the date of transfer to such day;
                                               less

                                          9.   the amount of all Accumulated
                                               Values withdrawn from the Fixed 
                                               Account since the just prior 
                                               Monthly Policy Date; less

                                          10.  interest on item (9) from the 
                                               date of withdrawal to such day;
                                               less

                                          11.  any Monthly Deduction allocated
                                               to the Fixed Account for the
                                               month next following the Monthly
                                               Policy Date which is due on such
                                               day.

           ACCUMULATED 
           VALUE IN THE
           VARIABLE
           ACCOUNT

                                    The Accumulated Value in the Variable
                                    Account is the sum of the Accumulated Values
                                    in each Sub-Account of the Variable Account.

                                    On any later day which is a Valuation Date,
                                    the policy's Accumulated Value in each
                                    Sub-Account is the number of units in the
                                    Sub-Account multiplied by the Unit Value on
                                    that date.

                                    On any date after the Date of Issue other
                                    than a Valuation Date, the Accumulated Value
                                    in a Sub-Account is the Accumulated Value of
                                    such Sub-Account on the next following
                                    Valuation Date.

           UNITS IN A SUB-
           ACCOUNT

                                    Amounts allocated, transferred, or added to
                                    a Sub-Account are used to purchase units in
                                    that Sub-Account. Any such amount increases
                                    the number of units credited to that
                                    Sub-Account. The number of units credited to
                                    the Sub-Account equals the dollar amount
                                    directed to the Sub-Account divided by the
                                    Unit Value for that Sub-Account for the
                                    Valuation Date as of which the transaction
                                    is performed.

                                    Units are redeemed from a Sub-Account when
                                    amounts are deducted, transferred, or
                                    withdrawn from the Sub-Account. Any such
                                    amount decreases the number of units
                                    credited to that Sub-Account. The number of
                                    units redeemed from the Sub-Account equals
                                    the dollar amount redeemed from the
                                    Sub-Account divided by the Unit Value for
                                    that Sub-Account for the Valuation Date as
                                    of which the transaction is performed.

           UNIT VALUE

                                    The Unit Value in a Sub-Account on any
                                    Valuation Date is equal to that Unit Value
                                    on the immediately preceding Valuation Date
                                    multiplied by the Net Investment Factor in
                                    effect for that Sub-Account.

           NET INVESTMENT
           FACTOR

                                    Each Sub-Account of the Variable Account has
                                    its own Net Investment Factor. The Net
                                    Investment Factor measures the performance
                                    of the Sub-Account for individual Valuation
                                    Periods. The Net Investment Factor is
                                    calculated as follows:

                                          1.   Take the net asset value per
                                               share of the corresponding
                                               investment fund on the current
                                               Valuation Date.

                                                 National Life Insurance Company
    One National Life * Montpelier, Vermont 05604 * (802) 229-3333 * www.nlv.com
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2349(1197)                                                               Page 12
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                                          2.   Add the per share capital gain or
                                               loss and dividend distribution of
                                               the investment fund during the
                                               current Valuation Period.

                                          3.   Divide the result of item (2) by
                                               the net asset value per share of
                                               the corresponding investment fund
                                               on the just prior Valuation Date.

                                          4.   Subtract from the result of item
                                               (3) any Tax Charge during the
                                               current Valuation Period.

                                    The result of item (4) is the Net Investment
                                    Factor on the current Valuation Date.

                                    Net asset values per share of corresponding
                                    investment funds reflect fees and operating
                                    expenses deducted by investment advisors.

           ACCUMULATED
           VALUE UPON
           REINSTATEMENT

                                    If this policy is reinstated, the
                                    Accumulated Value on the date of
                                    Reinstatement shall be:

                                          1.   the Accumulated Value on the date
                                               the Grace Period began; less

                                          2.   two times the Monthly Deduction
                                               due on the date the Grace Period
                                               began; plus

                                          3.   the net premium paid to reinstate
                                               the policy; less

                                          4.   the Monthly Deduction due on such
                                               date.

           CASH SURRENDER
           VALUE

                                    The Owner may, by written request to us,
                                    surrender this policy while one or both of
                                    the Insureds are living for its Cash
                                    Surrender Value. We may require that the
                                    policy be returned to us. When this policy
                                    has been surrendered, it shall be null and
                                    void and all rights shall cease. Proceeds
                                    shall be paid in one lump sum unless a
                                    Payment Option is chosen.

                                    The Cash Surrender Value on any day shall be
                                    equal to:

                                          1.   the Accumulated Value on such 
                                               day; less

                                          2.   any debt to us on this policy;
                                               less

                                          3.   any Surrender Charges which apply
                                               on such day.

           SURRENDER
           CHARGES

                                    Surrender Charges, according to the schedule
                                    presented in the Data Section, apply during
                                    the first 120 Policy Months following the
                                    Effective Date of any segment of coverage. A
                                    new, separate schedule of Surrender Charges
                                    applies to each increase in coverage.

           DIVIDENDS

                                    We may credit this policy with shares,
                                    called dividends, from our divisible
                                    surplus. However, it is expected that no
                                    dividends will be credited to this policy.
                                    Any dividends shall be set by us and shall
                                    be credited on the policy anniversary. Any
                                    dividends credited shall be paid in cash.



           CHARGES AGAINST THE ACCUMULATED VALUE
           ---------------------------------------------------------------------
           TAX CHARGE




                                                 National Life Insurance Company
    One National Life * Montpelier, Vermont 05604 * (802) 229-3333 * www.nlv.com
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2349(1197)                                                               Page 13
<PAGE>   14
                                    We reserve the right to deduct any charge
                                    for taxes or amounts set aside as a reserve
                                    for taxes in determining the value of an
                                    Accumulated Value Unit for each of the
                                    Sub-Accounts in the event that such a tax is
                                    levied on that Sub-Account in the future.

           MONTHLY
           DEDUCTION

                                    The Monthly Deduction is the sum of the Cost
                                    of Insurance Charge, the Accumulated Value
                                    Charge, and the Monthly Administrative
                                    Charge. The Monthly Deduction shall be
                                    deducted from the Accumulated Value of the
                                    policy on the Monthly Policy Date, as
                                    follows:

                                          1.   The Owner may elect to allocate
                                               the Monthly Deduction entirely to
                                               the Money Market Fund 
                                               Sub-Account, by notifying us in
                                               writing.  If the Accumulated
                                               Value in the Money Market Fund
                                               Sub-Account is not sufficient to
                                               provide for the entire Monthly
                                               Deduction on a Monthly Policy
                                               Date, the Monthly Deduction will
                                               be taken from the Money Market
                                               Fund Sub-Account until that
                                               account is exhausted, and any
                                               additional amount necessary to
                                               fund the full Monthly Deduction
                                               shall be allocated among and
                                               deducted from the unloaned
                                               portion of the Fixed Account and
                                               the other Sub-Accounts on a pro
                                               rata basis.

                                          2.   If the Owner does not elect 1,
                                               above, the Monthly Deduction
                                               shall be allocated among and
                                               deducted from the unloaned
                                               portion of the Fixed Account and
                                               the Sub-Accounts on a pro rata
                                               basis.
           COST OF 
           INSURANCE
           CHARGE

                                    The Cost of Insurance rate on any day shall
                                    be based on the duration of this policy, the
                                    Insureds' sexes and then Attained Ages, the
                                    smoker status of each Insured, and any
                                    substandard rating applied to either Insured
                                    on the Date of Issue or upon any increase in
                                    Face Amount.

                                    On any Monthly Policy Date, the Cost of
                                    Insurance Charge of the policy shall be the
                                    Cost of Insurance rates on such date
                                    multiplied by the excess of:

                                          1.   the Death Benefit of the policy
                                               plus any debt to us on the policy
                                               divided by the Cost of Insurance
                                               Divisor; over

                                          2.   the Accumulated Value of the
                                               policy on such date before the
                                               Cost of Insurance Charge is
                                               deducted.

                                    We may change the Cost of Insurance rates
                                    from time to time based on our expectations
                                    of future experience. Any change in the Cost
                                    of Insurance rates shall apply to all
                                    policies of the same duration, insuring
                                    persons of the same sexes, Attained Ages,
                                    and rate classes as the Insureds.

                                    The Cost of Insurance rates for each Insured
                                    shall not be greater than the guaranteed
                                    rates set forth in the Data Section. These
                                    rates are based on the Mortality Table named
                                    in the Data Section.

                                    The rate class of the Insureds at the time
                                    of an increase in Face Amount for which an
                                    application is required may differ from the
                                    rate class on the Date of Issue.  For 
                                    determining the Cost of Insurance Charge:

                                          1.   the Accumulated Value is first
                                               considered part of the Base 
                                               Coverage on the Date of Issue;
                                               and




                                                 National Life Insurance Company
    One National Life * Montpelier, Vermont 05604 * (802) 229-3333 * www.nlv.com
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2349(1197)                                                               Page 14
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                                          2.   then, part of any Additional
                                               Protection Benefit on the Date of
                                               Issue; and 

                                          3.   then, if the Accumulated Value is
                                               more than the Face Amount on the
                                               Date of Issue, the excess is
                                               considered part of the increases
                                               in Base Coverage in the order of
                                               occurrence of such increases; and

                                          4.   then, part of the increases in
                                               Additional Protection Benefit in
                                               the order of such increases; and

                                          5.   if the Death Benefit is the
                                               Death Benefit Standard, the
                                               excess of the Death Benefit over
                                               the total Face Amount is
                                               assigned the rate class of the
                                               Face Amount in effect on the Date
                                               of Issue.

           ACCUMULATED
           VALUE CHARGE

                                    The Accumulated Value Charge Percentage
                                    shown in the Data Section for policies with
                                    the Base Coverage of this contract will be
                                    applied against the sum of the
                                    Accumulated Value in each Sub-Account of the
                                    Variable Account and the non-loaned portion
                                    of the Accumulated Value in the Fixed
                                    Account to determine the monthly Accumulated
                                    Value Charge. This monthly charge, assessed
                                    to cover mortality and expense risk, will
                                    never exceed that determined using the
                                    Guaranteed Maximum Accumulated Value Charge
                                    Percentage shown in the Data Section.

           MONTHLY
           ADMINISTRATION
           CHARGE

                                    The Monthly Administration Charge is shown
                                    in the Data Section. Increases in Base
                                    Coverage will increase the Monthly
                                    Administration Charge, but this charge will
                                    not be reduced upon a decrease in Base
                                    Coverage.

           TRANSFER CHARGE

                                    We may charge a Transfer Charge for the
                                    thirteenth and each subsequent requested
                                    transfer of Accumulated Value between and
                                    among the Fixed Account and the Sub-
                                    Accounts occurring during any Policy Year.
                                    Transfers to or from more than one account
                                    at the same time shall be treated as one
                                    transfer. The Transfer Charge may not exceed
                                    the Maximum Transfer Charge stated in the
                                    Data Section. Transfer Charges shall be
                                    allocated among and deducted from the Fixed
                                    Account and the Sub-Accounts in proportion
                                    to the Accumulated Values to be transferred
                                    from such accounts.

                                    No Transfer Charge will be imposed for the
                                    following transactions, nor will any of the
                                    following transactions be counted against
                                    the twelve free transfers allowed each
                                    Policy Year:

                                          1.   the transfer of all Accumulated
                                               Value to the Fixed Account if
                                               during the first two Policy Years
                                               and in one transaction; and

                                          2.   the transfer of Accumulated Value
                                               from a Sub-Account of the
                                               Variable Account to another
                                               Sub-Account or to the Fixed
                                               Account, if there has been a
                                               material change in the investment
                                               policy of the fund in which the
                                               funds of that Sub- Account are
                                               invested; and

                                          3.   the initial allocation of the
                                               premium due on the Date of Issue
                                               from the Money Market Fund
                                               Sub-Account; and

                                          4.   transfers of Accumulated Value
                                               from the Variable Account into
                                               the Fixed Account pursuant to the
                                               taking of a Policy Loan; and

                                          5.   allocation of the payment of any
                                               debt to us on this policy; and 

                                          6.   according to the terms of the
                                               Dollar Cost Averaging feature;
                                               and 

                                          7.   according to the terms of the
                                               Portfolio Rebalancing feature.




                                                 National Life Insurance Company
    One National Life * Montpelier, Vermont 05604 * (802) 229-3333 * www.nlv.com
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2349(1197)                                                               Page 15
<PAGE>   16
           WITHDRAWALS
           ---------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    After the first policy anniversary, the
                                    Owner may make withdrawals by written
                                    request to us. Withdrawals shall be subject
                                    to all of the following terms.

                                          1.   The amount withdrawn may not be
                                               less than the Minimum Withdrawal
                                               Amount stated in the Data 
                                               Section.

                                          2.   The amount withdrawn may not
                                               exceed the Cash Surrender Value
                                               on the date of withdrawal less
                                               three times the Monthly Deduction
                                               for the next Monthly Policy Date.

                                          3.   The amount withdrawn may not be
                                               such that it reduces the Face
                                               Amount below the Minimum Base
                                               Coverage stated in the Data
                                               Section.

                                    The Accumulated Value will be reduced by the
                                    amount of the withdrawal.

                                    If Death Benefit Option A is in effect on
                                    the date of the withdrawal and if the Face
                                    Amount divided by the Death Benefit Factor
                                    on the date of the withdrawal exceeds the
                                    Accumulated Value of the policy just after
                                    the withdrawal, the Face Amount shall also
                                    be decreased. The decrease in Face Amount
                                    shall equal the lesser of such excess or the
                                    amount of the withdrawal. A decrease in
                                    total insurance coverage shall apply first
                                    to any increases in Face Amount in the
                                    reverse order in which they were made, and
                                    then to the Face Amount on the Date of
                                    Issue.

                                    If Death Benefit Option B is in effect on
                                    the date of the withdrawal, there shall be
                                    no decrease in the Face Amount.

           WITHDRAWAL
           CHARGE

                                    We will assess a Withdrawal Charge equal to
                                    the lesser of:

                                    -     2% of the amount withdrawn; and

                                    -     $25.

                                    This Withdrawal Charge will be deducted from
                                    the amount withdrawn.

           ALLOCATION OF
           WITHDRAWALS

                                    The amount withdrawn shall be allocated
                                    among and deducted from the Accumulated
                                    Values held in each account according to the
                                    following prioritization:

                                          1.   first, from the Accumulated Value
                                               held in specific Sub-Accounts as
                                               specified by the Owner, if the
                                               Owner so specifies; and

                                          2.   second, from the Accumulated
                                               Value in proportion to the
                                               Accumulated Values held in the
                                               Sub-Accounts on the day the
                                               withdrawal is made; and

                                          3.   finally, from the non-loaned
                                               Accumulated Value held in the
                                               Fixed Account.

                                    If the Accumulated Value in any Sub-Account
                                    from which the Owner has requested that
                                    withdrawals be allocated and deducted is
                                    insufficient to cover the amount of the
                                    withdrawal, the withdrawal will not be
                                    processed until further instructions are
                                    received by us from the Owner.



           POLICY LOANS
           ---------------------------------------------------------------------



                                                 National Life Insurance Company
    One National Life * Montpelier, Vermont 05604 * (802) 229-3333 * www.nlv.com
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2349(1197)                                                               Page 16
<PAGE>   17
                                    We will loan an amount up to the Loan Value
                                    of this policy less the amount of any
                                    outstanding debt, at any time after the
                                    first Policy Year. At the time of the loan
                                    the policy must be in force. The policy
                                    shall be the sole security for the loan and
                                    must be duly assigned to us.

           LOAN VALUE

                                    The Loan Value on any day is equal to:

                                          1.   the Accumulated Value on such
                                               day; less

                                          2.   the Surrender Charges on such
                                               day; less

                                          3.   three times the Monthly Deduction
                                               for the next Monthly Policy Date.
           LOAN INTEREST
           RATE

                                    Any loan shall bear interest from the date
                                    the loan is made. The Loan Interest Rate is
                                    shown in the Data Section.

           GENERAL LOAN
           TERMS

                                    After the loan is made, loan interest shall
                                    be due on the next and all later Policy
                                    Anniversaries. If any interest is not paid
                                    when due, it shall be added to the
                                    loan and bear interest on the same terms.

                                    The debt secured by this policy includes
                                    loans, unpaid loan interest, and accrued
                                    loan interest not otherwise due.

                                    All or any part of the debt may be paid to
                                    us at any time prior to:

                                          1.   the death of the second of the
                                               Insureds to die; and

                                          2.   surrender of the policy.

                                    However, during a Grace Period the debt may
                                    not be repaid.

                                    Unless the Owner specifies, any payment to 
                                    us shall be deemed a premium payment and
                                    not a payment of the debt.  At the death of 
                                    the Insured or upon the surrender of the 
                                    policy, all debt shall become due at once.  
                                    It shall be paid from the policy values.

           ALLOCATION OF
           POLICY LOANS

                                    The loaned amounts allocated to the
                                    Sub-Accounts shall be transferred from the
                                    Sub-Accounts and placed into the Fixed
                                    Account. Policy Loans shall be allocated
                                    among and transferred from the Accumulated
                                    Values held in each account according to the
                                    following prioritization:

                                          1.   first, from the Accumulated Value
                                               held in specific Sub-Accounts as
                                               specified by the Owner, if the
                                               Owner so specifies; and

                                          2.   second, from the Accumulated
                                               Value in proportion to the
                                               Accumulated Values held in the
                                               Sub-Accounts on the day the loan
                                               is made; and

                                          3.   finally, from the non-loaned 
                                               Accumulated Value held in the
                                               Fixed Account.

                                    If the Accumulated Value in any Sub-Account
                                    from which the Owner has requested that
                                    loaned amounts be transferred is
                                    insufficient to cover the amount of the
                                    loan, the loan will not be processed until
                                    further instructions are received from the
                                    Owner.


                                                 National Life Insurance Company
    One National Life * Montpelier, Vermont 05604 * (802) 229-3333 * www.nlv.com
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2349(1197)                                                               Page 17
<PAGE>   18

                                    Loan repayments shall be allocated among the
                                    Fixed Account and the Sub-Accounts in
                                    proportion to the Premium Allocation
                                    percentages assigned by the Owner.

                                    Any loan interest due and not paid shall be
                                    allocated among and transferred, on the date
                                    the interest is due, from the Accumulated
                                    Values held in each account:

                                          1.   first, in proportion to the 
                                               Accumulated Values held in the
                                               Sub-Accounts of the Variable
                                               Account until those accounts are
                                               exhausted; and

                                          2.   then from the non-loaned 
                                               Accumulated Value held in the
                                               Fixed Account.

                                    These amounts shall be placed in, or
                                    segmented within, the Fixed Account.



           PAYMENT OPTIONS
           ---------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    In lieu of a lump sum settlement, all or
                                    part of the proceeds of this contract may be
                                    applied under a Payment Option. When
                                    proceeds are applied under a Payment Option,
                                    all other rights and benefits under this
                                    contract shall cease.

                                    In addition to the following options, other
                                    payment options may be available.

           OPTION EFFECTIVE
           DATE

                                    The Option Effective Date is the date the
                                    proceeds become payable.

           GENERAL PAYMENT
           OPTION TERMS

                                    If the proceeds to be placed under a Payment
                                    Option are less than $3,500, we may pay them
                                    in one sum to the payee who otherwise would
                                    receive the first payment under the option.
                                    If any payments would be less than $100, we
                                    will change the frequency to provide
                                    payments of at least $100.

                                    If the proceeds are assigned on the Option
                                    Effective Date, we will pay the assignee's
                                    share in one sum and place only the balance
                                    under the option. After the Option Effective
                                    Date neither the payments nor the remaining
                                    value may be assigned or encumbered. To the
                                    extent the law permits, they are not subject
                                    to any claims against the payee.

                                    We may require proof to our satisfaction
                                    that any payee is alive on the date any
                                    payment is due.

           CHOICE OF OPTION

                                    Choice of an option may be made:

                                          1.   by the Owner if one or both of
                                               the Insureds are living; or

                                          2.   by the Beneficiary if neither
                                               Insured is living and no option
                                               is in effect.

                                    Equivalent payments for 12-, 6-, 3-, or
                                    1-month intervals may be chosen. The options
                                    are described in terms of monthly payments.
                                    We will quote the amount of other payments
                                    on request.

                                    We may issue a document stating the terms of
                                    the option.



                                                 National Life Insurance Company
    One National Life * Montpelier, Vermont 05604 * (802) 229-3333 * www.nlv.com
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2349(1197)                                                              Page 18
<PAGE>   19

           CHANGE OF
           PAYMENT OPTION

                                    The right to change Payment Options exists
                                    under Options 1, 2, and 4. At the time of
                                    change the remaining value under the old
                                    option shall become the proceeds to be
                                    placed under the new option.

           LUMP SUM
           REMOVAL OF
           PROCEEDS APPLIED
           UNDER A PAYMENT
           OPTION

                                    Lump sum payments may be taken from the
                                    remaining proceeds placed under Payment
                                    Options 1, 2, and 4.

                                    Under Options 1 and 4 all or any part of the
                                    remaining value may be taken at any time,
                                    though no more than four transactions may be
                                    made during any calendar year.

                                    Under Option 2 the entire remaining value
                                    may be taken at any time.

                                    No lump sum removal of proceeds may be made
                                    under Options 3, 5, 6, and 7.

           OPTION 1 -
           PAYMENT OF
           INTEREST ONLY

                                    Interest at a rate of 3 1/2% per year shall
                                    be paid either for:

                                          1.   the life of a chosen human being;
                                               or

                                          2.   a chosen period.

                                    We may pay more interest in any given year.
                                    Upon the earlier of the death of the chosen
                                    human being or the end of the chosen period,
                                    any remaining value will be paid. The first
                                    payment shall be made one month after the
                                    Option Effective Date. If the payee is not a
                                    human being, payments may not continue for
                                    more than 30 years.

           OPTION 2 -
           PAYMENTS FOR A
           STATED TIME

                                    Equal monthly payments shall be made for a
                                    stated number of years. The first payment
                                    shall be made on the Option Effective Date.
                                    The amount of each monthly payment is shown
                                    in the table. The monthly payments are based
                                    on an interest rate of 3 1/2% per year. We
                                    may pay more interest in any year.


                                 OPTION 2 TABLE
                  MONTHLY PAYMENTS FOR EACH $1,000 OF PROCEEDS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Stated Number of Years                                             Monthly Payments
<S>                                                                <C>   
1                                                                  $84.65
2                                                                  43.05
3                                                                  29.19
4                                                                  22.27
5                                                                  18.12
</TABLE>

                                                 National Life Insurance Company
    One National Life * Montpelier, Vermont 05604 * (802) 229-3333 * www.nlv.com
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2349(1197)                                                               Page 19
<PAGE>   20
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                <C>  
6                                                                  15.35
7                                                                  13.38
8                                                                  11.90
9                                                                  10.75
10                                                                 9.83
11                                                                 9.09
12                                                                 8.46
13                                                                 7.94
14                                                                 7.49
15                                                                 7.10
16                                                                 6.76
17                                                                 6.47
18                                                                 6.20
19                                                                 5.97
20                                                                 5.75
21                                                                 5.56
22                                                                 5.39
23                                                                 5.24
24                                                                 5.09
25                                                                 4.96
26                                                                 4.84
27                                                                 4.73
28                                                                 4.63
29                                                                 4.53
30                                                                 4.45
</TABLE>


           OPTION 3 -
           PAYMENTS FOR
           LIFE

                                    Equal monthly payments shall be made for any
                                    guaranteed period chosen and thereafter
                                    during the life of a chosen human being. The
                                    first payment shall be made on the Option
                                    Effective Date. The amount of each monthly
                                    payment depends on the age and sex of the
                                    chosen human being on the Option Effective
                                    Date and on any guaranteed period chosen. We
                                    may require proof to our satisfaction of
                                    such age. We may require like proof that
                                    such human being is alive on the date any
                                    payment is due. The guaranteed period may be
                                    five or ten years or a Refund period. A
                                    Refund period extends until the sum of the
                                    payments is equal to the proceeds placed
                                    under the option. The monthly payments are
                                    based on an interest rate of 3 1/2% per
                                    year. We may pay more interest in any year
                                    during the guaranteed period. We will quote
                                    the amount of monthly payments for lower
                                    ages and guaranteed periods not shown in the
                                    Option 3 Table on request.


                                 OPTION 3 TABLE
                  MONTHLY PAYMENTS FOR EACH $1,000 OF PROCEEDS

  (Amounts shown are for the age nearest birthday on the Option Effective Date)

                                Guaranteed Period

<TABLE>     
<CAPTION>   
                                      Male                                                           Female
Age              None                 10 Years             Refund               None                 10 Years             Refund
<S>              <C>                  <C>                  <C>                  <C>                  <C>                  <C>  
50               $4.44                $4.40                $4.29                $4.10                $4.09                $4.03
51               4.52                 4.47                 4.35                 4.16                 4.14                 4.08
</TABLE>    



                                                 National Life Insurance Company
    One National Life * Montpelier, Vermont 05604 * (802) 229-3333 * www.nlv.com
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2349(1197)                                                               Page 20
<PAGE>   21
<TABLE>
<S>                   <C>                  <C>                  <C>                  <C>                  <C>                  <C> 
52                    4.59                 4.54                 4.42                 4.22                 4.20                 4.13
53                    4.67                 4.62                 4.48                 4.29                 4.26                 4.19
54                    4.76                 4.70                 4.55                 4.35                 4.33                 4.24
55                    4.85                 4.78                 4.62                 4.42                 4.39                 4.30
56                    4.94                 4.86                 4.70                 4.50                 4.47                 4.37
57                    5.04                 4.96                 4.78                 4.58                 4.54                 4.44
58                    5.15                 5.05                 4.86                 4.66                 4.62                 4.51
59                    5.26                 5.15                 4.95                 4.75                 4.70                 4.58
60                    5.38                 5.26                 5.04                 4.85                 4.79                 4.66
61                    5.51                 5.37                 5.14                 4.95                 4.89                 4.74
62                    5.65                 5.49                 5.24                 5.06                 4.99                 4.83
63                    5.80                 5.62                 5.35                 5.17                 5.09                 4.92
64                    5.96                 5.75                 5.47                 5.30                 5.20                 5.02
65                    6.13                 5.88                 5.59                 5.43                 5.32                 5.12
66                    6.31                 6.03                 5.71                 5.57                 5.44                 5.23
67                    6.51                 6.17                 5.84                 5.72                 5.57                 5.34
68                    6.72                 6.33                 5.98                 5.88                 5.71                 5.47
69                    6.94                 6.48                 6.13                 6.05                 5.85                 5.60
70                    7.18                 6.65                 6.28                 6.24                 6.01                 5.73
71                    7.43                 6.81                 6.45                 6.44                 6.17                 5.87
72                    7.70                 6.98                 6.61                 6.66                 6.34                 6.03
73                    7.99                 7.15                 6.79                 6.90                 6.51                 6.19
74                    8.29                 7.33                 6.99                 7.16                 6.69                 6.37
75                    8.62                 7.50                 7.17                 7.44                 6.88                 6.55
76                    8.98                 7.67                 7.38                 7.74                 7.07                 6.74
77                    9.35                 7.85                 7.61                 8.06                 7.27                 6.95
78                    9.76                 8.02                 7.84                 8.41                 7.46                 7.16
79                    10.19                8.18                 8.08                 8.79                 7.66                 7.39
80                    10.66                8.34                 8.35                 9.20                 7.86                 7.65
81                    11.15                8.50                 8.59                 9.65                 8.05                 7.90
82                    11.68                8.65                 8.88                 10.13                8.24                 8.16
83                    12.24                8.79                 9.19                 10.65                8.42                 8.45
84                    12.83                8.91                 9.47                 11.21                8.59                 8.74
85+                   13.46                9.04                 9.81                 11.82                8.74                 9.09
</TABLE>


                             + Higher ages the same

           OPTION 4 -
           PAYMENTS OF A
           STATED AMOUNT

                                    Equal monthly payments of a stated amount
                                    shall be made until the proceeds, with
                                    interest at 3 1/2% per year on the unpaid
                                    balance, are used up. The first payment
                                    shall be made on the Option Effective Date.
                                    The amount chosen must be at least $10 per
                                    month for each $1,000 of proceeds placed
                                    under this option. We may add more interest
                                    to the unpaid balance in any year, which
                                    will extend the number of payments. The last
                                    payment will be for the balance only.

           OPTION 5 -
           LIFE ANNUITY

                                    Equal monthly payments shall be made in the
                                    same manner as Option 3 except:


                                                 National Life Insurance Company
    One National Life * Montpelier, Vermont 05604 * (802) 229-3333 * www.nlv.com
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2349(1197)                                                               Page 21
<PAGE>   22
                                          1.   the amount of each payment shall
                                               be based on our current 
                                               settlement rates on the Option
                                               Effective Date; and

                                          2.   no additional interest shall be
                                               paid.

           OPTION 6 -
           JOINT AND TWO-THIRDS
           ANNUITY

                                    Equal monthly payments shall be made while
                                    two chosen human beings are both living.
                                    Upon the death of either, two-thirds of the
                                    amount of such payments shall continue
                                    during the life of the survivor. The first
                                    payment shall be made on the Option
                                    Effective Date. The amount of each monthly
                                    payment depends on the ages and sexes of the
                                    chosen human beings on the Option Effective
                                    Date. We may require proof to our
                                    satisfaction of their ages. We may require
                                    like proof that any chosen human being is
                                    alive on the date any payment conditioned on
                                    the life of such human being is due. The
                                    initial amount of each monthly payment is
                                    shown in the table. We will quote the amount
                                    of monthly payments for any other age
                                    combination on request. The monthly payments
                                    are based on an interest rate of 3 1/2% per
                                    year. No additional interest shall be paid.


                                 OPTION 6 TABLE
                  MONTHLY PAYMENTS FOR EACH $1,000 OF PROCEEDS

  (Amounts shown are for the age nearest birthday on the Option Effective Date)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Ages of Both                       One Male                           Ages of Both                       One Male
                                   and                                                                   and
                                   One Female                                                            One Female
<S>                                <C>                                <C>                                <C>  
50                                 $4.11                              68                                 $5.86
51                                 4.17                               69                                 6.03
52                                 4.23                               70                                 6.21
53                                 4.29                               71                                 6.41
54                                 4.35                               72                                 6.62
55                                 4.42                               73                                 6.84
56                                 4.50                               74                                 7.08
57                                 4.58                               75                                 7.35
58                                 4.66                               76                                 7.63
59                                 4.75                               77                                 7.93
60                                 4.84                               78                                 8.25
61                                 4.94                               79                                 8.60
62                                 5.05                               80                                 8.97
63                                 5.16                               81                                 9.38
64                                 5.29                               82                                 9.81
65                                 5.42                               83                                 10.27
66                                 5.55                               84                                 10.77
67                                 5.70                               85+                                11.31
</TABLE>



                              +Higher ages the same

           OPTION 7 - 50% 
           SURVIVOR 
           ANNUITY

                                    Equal monthly payments shall be made during
                                    the life of the chosen primary human being.
                                    Upon the death of the chosen primary human
                                    being, 50% of the amount of such



                                                 National Life Insurance Company
    One National Life * Montpelier, Vermont 05604 * (802) 229-3333 * www.nlv.com
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2349(1197)                                                               Page 22
<PAGE>   23
                                    payments shall continue during the life of
                                    the chosen secondary human being. The first
                                    payment shall be made on the Option
                                    Effective Date. The amount of each monthly
                                    payment depends on the ages and sexes of the
                                    chosen human beings on the Option Effective
                                    Date. We may require proof to our
                                    satisfaction of their ages. We may require
                                    like proof that any chosen human being is
                                    alive on the date any payment conditioned on
                                    the life of such human being is due. The
                                    initial amount of each monthly payment is
                                    shown in the table. We will quote the amount
                                    of monthly payments for any other age
                                    combination on request. The monthly payments
                                    are based on an interest rate of 3 1/2% per
                                    year. No additional interest shall be paid.


                                 OPTION 7 TABLE
                  MONTHLY PAYMENTS FOR EACH $1,000 OF PROCEEDS

  (Amounts shown are for the age nearest birthday on the Option Effective Date)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                         Male                    Female                                          Male                    Female
Ages                     Primary                 Primary                 Ages                    Primary                 Primary
of                       Female                  Male                    of                      Female                  Male
Both                     Secondary               Secondary               Both                    Secondary               Secondary
<S>                      <C>                     <C>                     <C>                     <C>                     <C>  
50                       $4.11                   $3.96                   68                      $5.85                   $5.51
51                       4.17                    4.01                    69                      6.02                    5.66
52                       4.23                    4.06                    70                      6.20                    5.82
53                       4.29                    4.12                    71                      6.39                    6.00
54                       4.35                    4.18                    72                      6.59                    6.18
55                       4.42                    4.24                    73                      6.81                    6.39
56                       4.50                    4.31                    74                      7.05                    6.60
57                       4.58                    4.38                    75                      7.30                    6.84
58                       4.66                    4.45                    76                      7.57                    7.09
59                       4.75                    4.53                    77                      7.86                    7.36
60                       4.84                    4.61                    78                      8.17                    7.66
61                       4.94                    4.70                    79                      8.51                    7.97
62                       5.05                    4.79                    80                      8.86                    8.32
63                       5.16                    4.89                    81                      9.25                    8.68
64                       5.28                    5.00                    82                      9.66                    9.08
65                       5.41                    5.12                    83                      10.10                   9.51
66                       5.55                    5.24                    84                      10.56                   9.97
67                       5.69                    5.37                    85+                     11.06                   10.47
</TABLE>


                              +Higher ages the same


           GENERAL TERMS OF THIS POLICY
           ---------------------------------------------------------------------
           CONSIDERATION

                                    This policy is issued in consideration of
                                    the application and payment of at least the
                                    Minimum Initial Premium shown in the Data
                                    Section. We will incur no liability if no
                                    premium is paid.

           ENTIRE CONTRACT

                                    On the Date of Issue the entire contract
                                    between the parties is this policy and a
                                    copy of the application and any riders and
                                    endorsements which are attached at issue.
                                    Any changes of this contract must be written
                                    and may be made only by one of our
                                    authorized




                                                 National Life Insurance Company
    One National Life * Montpelier, Vermont 05604 * (802) 229-3333 * www.nlv.com
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2349(1197)                                                               Page 23
<PAGE>   24
                                    officers or registrars. We will send the 
                                    Owner a copy of any application for a change
                                    which we approve. It and any additional Data
                                    Section shall become part of this contract
                                    on the effective date of such change.

           REPRESENTATIONS

                                    Any statement made by or for either or both
                                    of the Insureds shall be deemed a
                                    representation and not a warranty. Unless
                                    such statement is in the attached
                                    application or in any subsequent
                                    application, it shall not be used to:

                                          1.   make this policy void; or

                                          2.   make any increase in Face Amount
                                               void; or

                                          3.   make any Reinstatement void; or

                                          4.   defend any claim.
           INCONTESTABILITY

                                    After this policy has been in force during
                                    the life of each Insured for two years from
                                    the policy Date of Issue, we will not
                                    contest it with respect to representations
                                    made by that Insured; however:

                                          1.   we may contest any increase in
                                               Face Amount for which an
                                               application is required until
                                               such increase has been in force
                                               during the life of both Insureds
                                               for two years from its Effective
                                               Date; and

                                          2.   we may contest any Reinstatement
                                               until such Reinstatement has
                                               been in force during the life of
                                               both Insureds for two years from
                                               its Effective Date.

           POLICY MONTHS,
           YEARS AND
           ANNIVERSARIES

                                    Policy Months, Years and Anniversaries shall
                                    be measured from the Date of Issue.

                                    The Date of Issue is the first Monthly
                                    Policy Date. The Monthly Policy Date shown
                                    in the Data Section occurs on the same day
                                    each month or on the last day of any month
                                    having no such date.

                                    A Contract Anniversary falls on each
                                    successive anniversary of the Date of Issue.
                                    The first Contract Year begins on the Date
                                    of Issue and ends on the day before the
                                    first Contract Anniversary. Each subsequent
                                    Contract Year begins on a Contract
                                    Anniversary and ends on the day before the
                                    next Contract Anniversary.

           POLICY EFFECTIVE
           DATES

                                    The Face Amount on the Date of Issue shall
                                    become effective on the Date of Issue shown
                                    in the Data Section.

                                    Any increase in Face Amount for which an
                                    application is required shall become
                                    effective on the Monthly Policy Date on or
                                    next following the date we approve the
                                    application for such increase in Face
                                    Amount.

                                    Any increase in Face Amount for which an
                                    application is not required shall become
                                    effective on the Monthly Policy Date on or
                                    next following the date we receive the
                                    request for such increase unless otherwise
                                    provided by the policy.

                                    Any decrease in Face Amount requested shall
                                    become effective on the Monthly Policy Date
                                    on or next following the date we receive the
                                    request for such decrease.



                                                 National Life Insurance Company
    One National Life * Montpelier, Vermont 05604 * (802) 229-3333 * www.nlv.com
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2349(1197)                                                               Page 24
<PAGE>   25
                                    Any reinstatement of this policy shall
                                    become effective on the Monthly Policy Date
                                    on or next following the date we approve the
                                    application for Reinstatement.

                                    Any change of Death Benefit Option shall
                                    become effective on the Monthly Policy Date
                                    on or next following the date we receive the
                                    request for such change.

           ATTAINED AGE

                                    The Attained Age of each Insured on any date
                                    is that Insured's Issue Age shown in the
                                    Data Section plus the number of full Policy
                                    Years which have passed since the Date of
                                    Issue.

           MISSTATEMENT OF
           AGE OR SEX

                                    The Issue Ages shown in the Data Section are
                                    the ages of the Insureds on their birthdays
                                    nearest to the Date of Issue. These are
                                    based on the dates of birth shown in the
                                    application.

                                    If the age or sex of either Insured has been
                                    misstated, we will adjust the Accumulated
                                    Value to be the Accumulated Value that would
                                    have resulted had the Cost of Insurance
                                    Charges been based on the correct ages and
                                    sexes of the Insureds. The adjustment shall
                                    take effect on the Monthly Policy Date on or
                                    next following the date we have proof to our
                                    satisfaction of such misstatement.

                                    If both Insureds have died, we will
                                    similarly adjust the Accumulated Value as of
                                    the last Monthly Policy Date prior to the
                                    death of the second of the Insureds to die.
                                    To the extent that the recomputed, adjusted
                                    Accumulated Value is negative, we will
                                    deduct such negative amount from the Death
                                    Benefit otherwise payable.

           VALUATION DATE
           AND VALUATION
           PERIOD

                                    A Valuation Date is each day that the New
                                    York Stock Exchange is customarily open for
                                    trading, except for:

                                          1.   the day following Thanksgiving in
                                               each year; and

                                          2.   any day on which trading is
                                               restricted by directive of the
                                               Securities and Exchange
                                               Commission.

                                    A Valuation Period is the period between two
                                    successive Valuation Dates.

           INTEREST RATES

                                    All interest rates stated in this policy are
                                    effective annual rates.

           BASIS OF VALUES

                                    Any guaranteed values for this policy are
                                    equal to or greater than those required by
                                    the law of the state where this policy is
                                    delivered. Any guaranteed values are based
                                    on interest at the Minimum Fixed Account
                                    Interest Rate and the Mortality Table shown
                                    in the Data Section. A detailed statement of
                                    the method of computing values has been
                                    filed in the state in which this policy is
                                    delivered.

           PAYMENT OF
           BENEFITS



                                                 National Life Insurance Company
    One National Life * Montpelier, Vermont 05604 * (802) 229-3333 * www.nlv.com
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2349(1197)                                                               Page 25
<PAGE>   26
                                    We will pay all benefits under this policy
                                    at our Home Office. Before payment of any
                                    Death Benefit we may investigate the death.

           POSTPONEMENT OF
           BENEFITS

                                    We will pay any amounts which are payable as
                                    a result of Cash Surrender, Withdrawals, or
                                    Policy Loans and which are allocated to the
                                    VARIABLE ACCOUNT within seven days after we
                                    receive written request in a form
                                    satisfactory to us. However, determination
                                    and payment of any amount payable from the
                                    Variable Account may be postponed whenever:

                                          1.   the New York Stock Exchange is
                                               closed, or trading on the New
                                               York Stock Exchange is restricted
                                               by directive of the Securities
                                               and Exchange Commission; or

                                          2.   the Securities and Exchange
                                               Commission by order permits
                                               postponement for the protection
                                               of policyowners; or

                                          3.   an emergency exists, as
                                               determined by the Securities and
                                               Exchange Commission, as a result
                                               of which it is not reasonably
                                               practicable to dispose of
                                               securities or to determine the
                                               value of the net assets of the
                                               Variable Account.

                                    Transfers to or from the Sub-Accounts of the
                                    Variable Account, though normally occurring
                                    on the same day we receive the request for
                                    transfer, may also be postponed upon any of
                                    the above events.

                                    We may delay payment of any amounts which
                                    are payable as a result of Cash Surrender,
                                    Withdrawals, or Policy Loans and which are
                                    allocated to the FIXED ACCOUNT for up to six
                                    months after we receive written request in a
                                    form satisfactory to us.

                                    We will pay the Death Benefit within seven
                                    days after we receive due proof satisfactory
                                    to us of the death of the second of the
                                    Insureds to die while this policy is in
                                    force. We may postpone determination and
                                    payment of any Death Benefit in excess of
                                    the Face Amount, net of any debt to us on
                                    this policy, upon any of the events
                                    enumerated above.

                                    We have the right to postpone payment which
                                    is derived from any amount recently paid to
                                    us by check or draft, until we are satisfied
                                    the check or draft has been paid by the bank
                                    or other financial institution on which it
                                    is drawn.

           NOTICES

                                    Unless this policy provides otherwise, any
                                    requests, changes, or notices:

                                          1.   from us to the Owner shall be
                                               sent to the last address known to
                                               us of the Owner; and

                                          2.   from us to an assignee shall be
                                               sent to the last address known to
                                               us of such assignee; and

                                          3.   from the Owner or an assignee to
                                               us must be in writing and
                                               received by us at our Home Office
                                               in Montpelier, Vermont.
           ANNUAL REPORT

                                    At least once each Policy Year we will send
                                    a report to the Owner. The report will show,
                                    as of its date:

                                          1.   the Accumulated Value of the
                                               policy, detailing the Accumulated
                                               Value in the Fixed Account and
                                               the Accumulated Value in each
                                               Sub-Account of the Variable
                                               Account; and

                                          2.   the Face Amount; and

                                          3.   the Cash Surrender Value; and


                                                 National Life Insurance Company
    One National Life * Montpelier, Vermont 05604 * (802) 229-3333 * www.nlv.com
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2349(1197)                                                               Page 26
<PAGE>   27
                                          4.   any debt to us on this policy;
                                               and

                                          5.   the Death Benefit.

                                    The report will also show a summary of
                                    transactions of the previous year and any
                                    information required by law or by the
                                    supervisory insurance official of the
                                    Insurance Department of the state in which
                                    this policy was delivered.

           PROJECTION
           REPORT

                                    The Owner may request in writing a report
                                    which projects future values and future
                                    Death Benefits for this policy. The report
                                    will also show any information required by
                                    law. The Projection Report will be based on:

                                          1.   data the Owner gives us as to
                                               Face Amount and premiums; and

                                          2.   such assumptions as either we or
                                               the Owner specifies.

                                    We may charge the Owner for each Projection
                                    Report.



                                                 National Life Insurance Company
    One National Life * Montpelier, Vermont 05604 * (802) 229-3333 * www.nlv.com
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2349(1197)                                                               Page 27

<PAGE>   1
                                                              EXHIBIT 1.A.(5)(b)

                         GUARANTEED DEATH BENEFIT RIDER


We, National Life Insurance Company, guarantee that the policy will not lapse if
and as long as the Conditions of this Rider are met. This no-lapse guarantee
ensures that a Death Benefit will be payable under this policy for as long as
this rider remains in force.

The date of issue of this rider is the policy Date of Issue.

MONTHLY GUARANTEE PREMIUM. The Monthly Guarantee Premium specific to this rider
is stated in the Data Section. It is subject to change upon increases or
decreases in Face Amount, and upon changes in the Death Benefit Option of this
policy.

CONDITIONS OF THIS RIDER. To keep this rider in force, cumulative premiums paid
in excess of withdrawals and debt, accumulated to each Monthly Policy Date at an
annualized interest rate of 4% per year, must on each Monthly Policy Date equal
at least the sum of all unique Monthly Guarantee Premiums in effect since the
Date of Issue of the policy times the number of Monthly Policy Dates that
elapsed while each Minimum Monthly Premium was in effect, minus the Monthly
Guarantee Premium due on that given Monthly Policy Date. Compliance with this
condition will be determined on every Monthly Policy Date.

IMPACT OF WITHDRAWALS AND POLICY LOANS. Withdrawals and Policy Loans taken
against this policy will impact the calculation described in Conditions of this
Rider. If a Withdrawal made or Policy Loan taken against this policy leaves the
policy out of compliance with the Conditions of this Rider, a Notice of Pending
Termination of this Rider will be sent to the Owner.

COST OF THIS RIDER. The monthly cost of this rider is shown in the Data Section.
It shall be based on the Face Amount of the policy. If, while this rider is in
force, any increase or decrease in the Face Amount of the policy is made, the
monthly cost of this rider will similarly increase or decrease. The monthly cost
of this rider shall be deducted from the Accumulated Value of the policy in the
same manner as is the Monthly Deduction.

SUSPENSION OF MONTHLY DEDUCTIONS. If, while this rider is in force, the
Accumulated Value of the Policy is not sufficient to cover the Monthly
Deductions and the monthly costs of any riders on the policy, Monthly Deductions
and the monthly costs of any riders on the policy will be deducted from the
Accumulated Value until the Accumulated Value is exhausted, and will thereafter
be deferred until such time as the policy has positive Accumulated Value. Upon
the death of the Insured, we will waive that portion of any Monthly Deductions
and monthly costs of any rider on the policy then in arrears.

INCONTESTABILITY. After this rider has been in force during the life of the
Insured for two years from its date of issue, we will not contest it.

CONSIDERATION. This rider is issued in consideration of the application for the
rider and the monthly cost of the rider. The rider and a copy of the application
for the rider shall become part of the policy on the date of issue of the rider.

NOTICE OF PENDING TERMINATION OF THIS RIDER. If on any Monthly Policy Date the
Conditions of this Rider are not met, the Owner will be sent notice that unless
the premium described below is paid during the first 61 days measured from the
date we mail such notice, this rider will terminate.

The premium needed to keep this rider in force beyond the 61st day measured from
the date we will mail a notice of pending termination of this rider is the
following:
<PAGE>   2
1.   the sum of all unique Minimum Guarantee Premiums in effect since the Date
     of Issue of this policy times the number of Monthly Policy Dates that
     elapsed while each Minimum Monthly Premium was in effect; plus

2.   two times the Minimum Monthly Premium then in effect; plus

3.   all withdrawals made from this policy, accumulated at an annualized
     interest rate of 4%; plus

4.   all debt to us on the policy, accumulated at an annualized interest rate of
     4%; minus

5.   all premiums paid on the policy since its Date of Issue, accumulated at an
     annualized interest rate of 4%.

TERMINATION OF THIS RIDER. This rider shall terminate on the earliest of:

1.   the later of the younger of the Insured's Attained Age 100; or

2.   the end of the 61st day following our sending a notice of pending
     termination of this rider, if prior to that time the premium described in
     Notice of Pending Termination of this Rider is not paid; or

3.   the date the policy terminates. If the policy is reinstated, this rider
     will not be reinstated; or

4.   any Monthly Policy Date requested, If before that date we receive at our
     Home Office written request for termination of this rider.

When this rider terminates:

1.   all rights under this rider shall cease; and

2.   there shall be no further monthly costs for this rider; and

3.   the policy shall be considered separate and complete without this rider.

If this rider terminates while the Cash Surrender Value of the policy is zero,
the policy will immediately enter a Grace Period.


Signed for NATIONAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY at Montpelier, Vermont, as of the
date of issue of this rider, by

                                           Chairman of the Board
                                                   and
                                           Chief Executive Officer





<PAGE>   1
                                                              EXHIBIT 1.A.(5)(c)

                     RIDER FOR ADDITIONAL PROTECTION BENEFIT


We, National Life Insurance Company, will pay the Additional Protection Benefit,
subject to the terms of this rider, in addition to the Basic Coverage of the
policy, when we receive at our Home Office due proof that both Insureds died
while this rider was in force.

The sum of the Basic Coverage provided by the base policy and the Additional
Protection Benefit provided by this rider is the total Face Amount of this
policy.

The date of issue of this rider is the policy Date of Issue unless a later date
is set forth below.

ADDITIONAL PROTECTION BENEFIT. We will pay the Additional Protection Benefit to
the Beneficiary when we receive at our Home Office due proof that both Insureds
died while this rider was in force. We will pay the Additional Protection
Benefit in one sum unless a Payment Option, as described in the policy to which
this rider is attached, is chosen. If the Additional Protection Benefit is paid
in one sum, it shall be increased by interest from the date we receive proof of
death of the second of the Insureds to die to the date of payment. We will set
the rate of interest at not less than the Minimum Interest Paid on Death Claims
percentage shown in the Data Section.

COST OF ADDITIONAL PROTECTION BENEFIT. The Cost of Additional Protection Benefit
rate on any day shall be based on the duration of this rider, the Insureds' then
Attained Ages, and the rate class of the Additional Protection Benefit on the
date of issue of this rider.

On any Monthly Policy Date, the Cost of Additional Protection Benefit shall be
the product of:

1.   the Cost of Additional Protection Benefit rate on such date divided by
     $1,000; multiplied by

2.   the Additional Protection Benefit on such date, divided by the sum 1 plus
     the monthly Accumulated Value Interest Rate shown in the Data Section.

We may change the Cost of Additional Protection Benefit rates from time to time
based on our expectations of future experience. Any change in the Cost of
Additional Protection Benefit rates shall apply to all riders of the same
duration, insuring persons of the same Attained Ages and rate class as the
Insureds. The Cost of Additional Protection Benefit rates shall not be greater
than the rates set forth in the Table of Guaranteed Maximum Cost of Additional
Protection Benefit Rates shown in the Data Section. These rates are based on the
Mortality Table named in the Data Section.

ADDITIONAL PROTECTION BENEFIT DECREASES. The Owner may request that the
Additional Protection Benefit be decreased. Such decreases will be performed
subject to the terms of the Face Amount Decreases provision of the base policy.

SUICIDE LIMITATION. If either of the Insureds dies within two years of the date
of issue of this rider as the result of suicide, while sane or insane, we will
pay only the sum set forth in the Suicide Limitation provision of the policy.
Payment will be made to the Beneficiary.

INCONTESTABILITY. After this rider has been in force during the life of each
Insured for two years from its date of issue, we will not contest it.

CONSIDERATION. This rider is issued in consideration of the application for the
rider and the monthly cost of the rider. The rider and a copy of the application
for the rider shall become part of the policy on the date of issue of the rider.

TERMINATION.  This rider shall terminate on the earliest of:


<PAGE>   2

1.   the date the policy terminates; or

2.   any Monthly Policy Date requested, if before that date we receive at our
     Home Office written request for termination.

When this rider terminates:

1.   all rights under this rider shall cease; and

2.   there shall be no further monthly costs for this rider; and

3.   the policy shall be considered separate and complete without this rider.


Signed for NATIONAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY at Montpelier, Vermont, as of the
date of issue, by

                                        Chairman of the Board
                                                and
                                        Chief Executive Officer





<PAGE>   1
                                                              EXHIBIT 1.A.(5)(d)

                            POLICY SPLIT OPTION RIDER


You may exchange this policy, subject to the terms of this rider, for two new
individual policies, one on each of the two Insureds, if the Insureds secure a
legal divorce or if there is a change in the Federal Estate Tax Law, as
described below.

The date of issue of this rider is the policy Date of Issue.

COST OF THIS RIDER. The monthly cost of this rider is shown in the Data Section.

EXCHANGE CONDITIONS. To exercise this option you must request the exchange in
writing and return the base policy. The exchange must be requested during the
first 90 days following any of the following:

1.   Issuance of a final divorce decree pertaining to the divorce of the two
     Insureds; or

2.   A material decrease in the amount of the Unlimited Marital Deduction as
     defined by the Internal Revenue Code; or

3.   A reduction by 50% or more of the Federal Unified Credit as defined by the
     Internal Revenue Code; or

4.   Subtraction of 25% or more of the percentage Federal Estate Tax rate
     applicable to the estate of the surviving spouse.

A $200 fee will be deducted from the Accumulated Value of the base policy on the
day prior to the Exchange Date. This charge is to cover expenses associated with
the policy split.

We reserve the right to deduct a charge from the base policy's Accumulated Value
to cover our expenses arising from any state or federal taxes generated by the
exchange.

EXCHANGE DATE.  The exchange will be effective on the Exchange Date, which is 
the date all of the above exchange conditions are met.

NEW POLICIES. The exchange may be to any individual flexible premium adjustable
benefit life or variable life policy that we regularly issue at the time of
exchange, subject to our approval. The policy date of each of the two new
individual policies will be the Exchange Date. The new policy on each Insured
will be based on that Insured's Attained Age on the Exchange Date. The new
policy on each Insured will be based on that Insured's risk classification as of
the most recently issued coverage segment on this policy. The new policies will
only take effect once the original policy has terminated and will not provide
any insurance until such time.

The face amount of each new individual policy may not exceed 50% of the Face
Amount of this policy. Any Increase in Face Amount on this policy which was made
with either or both of the Insureds rated 250% or higher will be surrendered at
the time of the policy split.

The Accumulated Value and debt of this policy on the day prior to the Exchange
Date will be divided and allocated to the two new individual policies in
proportion to their face amounts. The accumulated values of the two new policies
will sum to the Accumulated Value of this policy.

Subject to our approval, riders or benefits may be added to the new policies
where available.

ASSIGNMENT.  Any assignment of this policy will apply to each new individual 
policy.

Suicide Limitation and Incontestability. The Suicide Limitation and
Incontestability periods of the new policies will be measured from the Date of
Issue of this policy.

TERMINATION.  Coverage under this rider will terminate on the earliest of:

<PAGE>   2
1.   your written request; or

2.   the date that the first death of the two Insured's occurs; or

3.   termination of the base policy; or

4.   the date the older of the Insureds reaches Attained Age 86; or

5.   exercise of the option to exchange the base policy under this rider.

GENERAL CONDITIONS. This rider is part of the base policy to which it is
attached. All terms of the base policy which do not conflict with this rider's
terms apply to this rider.

In the event of any conflict between the terms of this rider and the terms of
the base policy, the terms of this rider shall prevail over the terms of the
base policy.



Signed for NATIONAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY at Montpelier, Vermont, as of the
date of issue of this rider, by

                                          Chairman of the Board
                                                  and
                                          Chief Executive Officer






<PAGE>   1
                                                              EXHIBIT 1.A.(5)(e)

                            ESTATE PRESERVATION RIDER


In addition to the Death Benefit of the policy, we, National Life Insurance
Company, will pay the Estate Preservation Benefit, subject to the terms of this
rider, when we receive at our Home Office due proof that both Insureds died
while this rider was in force. The dollar amount of the Estate Preservation
Benefit is stated in the Data Section.

The date of issue of this rider is the policy Date of Issue.

ESTATE PRESERVATION BENEFIT. We will pay the Estate Preservation Benefit to the
Beneficiary when we receive at our Home Office due proof that both Insureds died
while this rider was in force. We will pay the Estate Preservation Benefit in
one sum unless a Payment Option, as described in the policy to which this rider
is attached, is chosen. If the Estate Preservation Benefit is paid in one sum,
it shall be increased by interest from the date we receive proof of death of the
second of the Insureds to die to the date of payment. We will set the rate of
interest at not less than the Minimum Interest Paid on Death Claims percentage
shown in the Data Section.

The Estate Preservation Benefit amount is not impacted by decreases in the Face
Amount of this policy.

COST OF ESTATE PRESERVATION BENEFIT. The Cost of Estate Preservation Benefit
rate on any day shall be based on the duration of this rider, the Insureds' then
Attained Ages, and the rate classes of the Insureds on the Date of Issue.

On any Monthly Policy Date, the Cost of Estate Preservation Benefit shall be:

1.   the Cost of Estate Preservation Benefit rate on such date divided by
     $1,000; multiplied times

2.   the Estate Preservation Benefit, divided by the sum 1 plus the monthly
     Accumulated Value Interest Rate shown in the Data Section.

We may change the Cost of Estate Preservation Benefit rates from time to time
based on our expectations of future experience. Any change in the Cost of Estate
Preservation Benefit rates shall apply to all riders of the same duration,
insuring persons of the same Attained Ages and rate classes as the Insureds. The
Cost of Estate Preservation Benefit rates shall not be greater than the rates
set forth in the Table of Guaranteed Maximum Cost of Estate Preservation Benefit
Rates shown in the Data Section. These rates are based on the Mortality Table
named in the Data Section.

SUICIDE LIMITATION. If either of the Insureds dies within two years of the date
of issue of this ride as the result of suicide, while sane or insane, we will
pay only the sum set forth in the Suicide Limitation provision of the policy.
Payment will be made to the Beneficiary.

INCONTESTABILITY. After this rider has been in force during the life of each
Insured for two years from its date of issue, we will not contest it.

CONSIDERATION. This rider is issued in consideration of the application for the
rider and the monthly cost of the rider. The rider and a copy of the application
for the rider shall become part of the policy on the date of issue of the rider.

TERMINATION.  This rider shall terminate on the earliest of:

1.   the first Policy Anniversary, if the Owner of the policy to which this
     rider is attached is not an irrevocable life insurance trust on that date;
     or

2.   the date the policy terminates; or

3.   any Monthly Policy Date requested, if before that date we receive at our
     Home Office written request

<PAGE>   2
     for termination; or

4.   the fourth Policy Anniversary.

When this rider terminates:

1.   all rights under this rider shall cease; and

2.   there will be no further monthly costs for this rider; and

3.   the policy will be considered separate and complete without this rider.


Signed for National Life Insurance Company at Montpelier, Vermont, as of the
date of issue, by


                                        Chairman of the Board
                                                 and
                                        Chief Executive Officer






<PAGE>   1
                                                              EXHIBIT 1.A.(5)(f)

                     ANNUALLY RENEWABLE TERM INSURANCE RIDER


In addition to the Death Benefit of the policy, we, National Life Insurance
Company, will pay the Renewable Term Insurance Amount, subject to the terms of
this rider, when we receive at our Home Office due proof that the Term Insured
died while this rider was in force. The Term Insured and the Renewable Term
Insurance Amount are identified in the Data Section.

The date of issue of this rider is the policy Date of Issue unless a later date
is shown below.

COST OF RENEWABLE TERM INSURANCE. The Renewable Term Insurance rate on any day
shall be based on the duration of this rider, the Attained Age of the Term
Insured, and the rate classes of the Term Insured on the date of issue of this
rider.

On any Monthly Policy Date, the Cost of Renewable Term Insurance shall be:

1.   the Renewable Term Insurance rate on such date divided by $1,000;
     multiplied times

2.   the Renewable Term Insurance Amount, divided by the sum 1 plus the monthly
     Accumulated Value Interest Rate shown in the Data Section.

We may change the Cost of Renewable Term Insurance rates from time to time based
on our expectations of future experience. Any change in the Cost of Renewable
Term Insurance rates shall apply to all riders of the same duration, insuring
persons of the same Attained Age and rate class as the Term Insured. The Cost of
Renewable Term Insurance rates shall not be greater than the rates set forth in
the Table of Guaranteed Maximum Cost of Renewable Term Insurance Rates shown in
the Data Section. These rates are based on the Mortality Table named in the Data
Section.

RENEWAL. This rider expires on each rider anniversary. Upon each expiration, if
all monthly Cost of Renewable Term Insurance charges for the expired term have
been paid, the rider will be renewed for a one year term.

No renewal shall occur on or after the Final Term Expiration Date shown in the
Data Section.


                                    EXCHANGE

ISSUE AGE EXCHANGE. Upon written request received at our Home Office, this rider
may be exchanged for a whole life or limited payment life policy, but not a
flexible premium life policy, on the life of the Term Insured for the same
Renewable Term Insurance Amount without proof that the Term Insured is insurable
if:

1.   this rider is in force; and

2.   the exchange is made within five years from the date of issue of this rider
     and prior to the Final Exchange Date set forth in the Data Section.

The new policy shall:

1.   have the same date of issue as this rider; and

2.   be on a form in use by us on the date of issue of this rider; and

3.   be at the premium rate in effect for the Term Insured's age on the date of
     issue of this rider. If this rider is subject to a substandard risk
     classification on the date of exchange, the new policy shall be issued in
     the same substandard risk class.
<PAGE>   2
The cost of such exchange shall be the sum of the amounts calculated by the
following steps as of the date of issue of this rider and as of each rider
anniversary prior to the exchange:

1.   the annual premium which would have been due for the new policy on such
     date, reduced by any dividend which would have been credited under the new
     policy on such date, if it had been issued on the date of issue of this
     rider; less

2.   the annual premium for this rider on such date less any dividend credited
     under this policy on such date; plus

3.   interest on the excess of the amount calculated in Step 1 over the amount
     deducted in Step 2, from the date such premiums would have been due, to the
     date of exchange, at the Exchange Interest Rate stated in the Data Section.

We may require that this rider be returned to us.

ATTAINED AGE EXCHANGE. Upon written request received at our Home Office, this
rider may be exchanged for a whole life policy, limited payment life policy, or
a flexible premium life policy on the life of the Term Insured, with a Sum
Insured or Face Amount equal to this rider's Renewable Term Insurance Amount,
without proof that the Term Insured is insurable if:

1.   this rider is in force; and

2.   the exchange is made prior to the Final Exchange Date set forth in the Data
     Section.

The new policy shall:

1.   be on a form in use by us on the date of exchange; and

2.   be at the premium rate in effect for the Term Insured's Attained Age on the
     date of exchange. If this rider is subject to a substandard risk
     classification on the date of exchange, the new policy shall be issued in
     the same substandard risk class.

We may require that this rider be returned to us.


                                  GENERAL TERMS

EFFECT ON POLICY. This rider and its premiums do not affect any default benefits
of the policy. Any insurance continued upon default in payment of any premium
due shall not include benefits provided by this rider.

INCONTESTABILITY. After this rider has been in force during the life of the Term
Insured for two years from its date of issue, we will not contest it except for
failure to pay the Cost of Renewable Term Insurance.

SUICIDE LIMITATION. If the death of the Term Insured within two years from the
date of issue of this rider results from suicide, while sane or insane, we will
pay only the sum set forth in the Suicide Limitation provision of the policy.

CONSIDERATION. This rider is issued in consideration of the application for the
rider and the monthly cost of the rider. The rider and a copy of the application
for the rider are attached and made a part of the policy.

RIDER YEARS AND ANNIVERSARIES. Rider years and anniversaries shall be measured
from the date of issue of the rider.

TERMINATION.  This rider shall terminate:

1.   on each anniversary, unless renewed; or

<PAGE>   3
2.   on its Final Term Expiration Date; or

3.   on the day the policy terminates; or

4.   on any Monthly Policy Date requested, if before that date we receive at our
     Home Office written request for termination.

When this rider terminates:

1.   all rights under this rider shall cease; and

2.   there will be no further monthly costs for this rider; and

3.   the policy will be considered separate and complete without this rider.


Signed for National Life Insurance Company at Montpelier, Vermont, as of the
date of issue, by

                                         Chairman of the Board
                                                  and
                                         Chief Executive Officer





<PAGE>   1
                                                              EXHIBIT 1.A.(5)(g)

                          CONTINUING COVERAGE RIDER


The policy will not mature as described in the Maturity provision of the policy.
The Extension Date is stated in the Data Section.

On and after the Extension Date:

All Accumulated Value in this policy will be transferred to the Fixed Account.
No transfers will thereafter be allowed out of the Fixed Account.
The Cost of Insurance Charges and all Monthly Deductions will be set to zero.

Cost of this Rider.





<PAGE>   1
                                                              EXHIBIT 1.A.(5)(h)

                          ENHANCED DEATH BENEFIT RIDER


The Death Benefit Factor defined in the Death Benefit Standard provision of the
policy is raised, according to the terms of this rider, to provide enhanced
Death Benefits at a targeted Attained Age of the younger of the Insureds.  The
targeted Attained Age of the younger of the Insureds is stated in the Data
Section.

The date of issue of this rider is the policy Date of Issue.

DEATH BENEFIT FACTOR ADJUSTMENT.  If this contract is subject to the Guideline
Premium/Corridor Test, the Death Benefit Factor at the targeted Attained Age of
the younger of the Insureds and surrounding ages is adjusted in two steps:

1.  The Death Benefit Factor for the Attained Age of the Younger Insured five
years before the targeted Attained Age begin grading higher.  This grading will
be performed in a linear fashion over five years between the Death Benefit
Factor for the Attained Age of the Younger Insured five years before the
targeted Attained Age and the Death Benefit Factor at the targeted Attained Age
of the younger Insured determined for a comparable policy subject to the Cash
Value Accumulation Test.  Death Benefit Factors for Attained Ages following the
targeted Attained Age will be those calculated for policies subject to the Cash
Value Accumulation Test.

2.  Following the adjustment described in item (1), above, the following
Enhancement Factors are multiplied times the adjusted Death Benefit Factors at
the Attained Ages listed:

Attained Age of the Younger Insured                Enhancement Factor

Targeted Age minus 4                               1.02
Targeted Age minus 3                               1.04
Targeted Age minus 2                               1.06
Targeted Age minus 1                               1.08
Targeted Age                                       1.10
Targeted Age plus 1                                1.08
Targeted Age plus 2                                1.06
Targeted Age plus 3                                1.04
Targeted Age plus 4                                1.02

At all other Attained Ages of the Younger Insured the Enhancement Factor is
1.00.

If this contract is subject to the Cash Value Accumulation Test, the Death
Benefit Factors applicable to this policy are adjusted using the Enhancement
Factors described in item (2), above, without making the prior adjustment
described in item (1).

COST OF THE ENHANCED DEATH BENEFIT.  There is no separate additional charge for
this Enhanced Death Benefit Rider, but the Cost of Insurance Charge on this
policy will be higher to the extent that the Death Benefit is raised according
to the terms of this rider.

INCONTESTABILITY.  After this rider has been in force during the life of each
Insured for two years from its date of issue, we will not contest it.

TERMINATION.  This rider shall terminate on the earliest of:

1.  any Monthly Policy Date requested, if before that date we receive at our
    Home Office written request for termination; or
2.  the date the policy terminates.  If the policy is later reinstated, this
    rider will not be reinstated.
<PAGE>   2
When this rider terminates:

1.  all rights under this rider will cease; and
2.  the policy will be considered separate and complete without this rider.


Signed for National Life Insurance Company at Montpelier, Vermont, as of the
date of issue of this rider, by

                                                        Chairman of the Board
                                                                and
                                                       Chief Executive Officer


<PAGE>   1
                                                               EXHIBIT 1.A.10(a)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
[LOGO]  NATIONAL LIFE  National Life Insurance Company                                                                      
        OF VERMONT     Montpelier, Vermont 05604                                                         SURVIVORSHIP LIFE INSURANCE
                       Tel: 802 229-3333                                                                        APPLICATION - PART A
====================================================================================================================================
Read instructions before completing this application.  Check the appropriate use of this application:
                                                         [ ] Life Application              [ ] Qualified Retirement Plan -
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Agency Name and Number:                              Branch No.:                                Policy Number:
====================================================================================================================================
<S>                                                                     <C>     
A-1.  PRIMARY INSURED INFORMATION

1.1.  Name: (Print first, middle, last)                                  1-9.  Smoker Status: Does the Primary Insured now use
                                                                               nicotine products in any form (including
      ------------------------------------------------------                   cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, smokeless
1.2.  Social Security Number:                                                  tobacco, pipe, "the patch", snuff or nicotine gum)
                                                                               or has the Primary Insured used nicotine products
      ------------------------------------------------------                   in any form within the last 12 months?
1.3.  Birthdate: (mm/dd/yyyy)                                                                                        [ ] Yes [ ]  No
                                                                               If 'Yes,' details:
      ------------------------------------------------------                                     
1.4.  Birthplace: (State or Foreign Country)

      ------------------------------------------------------
1.5.  Sex: [ ] Male [ ] Female

      ------------------------------------------------------
1.6.  Issue Policy at age:                                               1-10. Have you ever applied for life, health or disability
                                                                               insurance or reinstatement of life, health or       
      ------------------------------------------------------                   disability insurance which was declined, postponed, 
1-7.  Residence Address: (Give street and number, city                         rated or modified in any way?         [ ] Yes [ ] No
      or town, state and zip code.)                                            If 'Yes,' details:                                  
                                                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                   
- ------------------------------------------------------------                   ----------------------------------------------------
1-8.  Employment Information:                                            1-11. Are you or do you have any intention of becoming    
                                                                               a member of a military organization?  [ ] Yes [ ] No
      a. Employer:                                                             If 'Yes,' details:                                  
                                                                               
      b. Kind of Business:                                                                                                          
                                                                         
      c. Business Address:                                                     ----------------------------------------------------
                                                                         1-12. a. Driver's License Number:                         
                                                                                                          -------------------------
      d. How long employed by present employer:                                b. State Licensed in:                               
                                                                                                    -------------------------------
                                                                               c. Have you had any moving vehicle violations or had
      e. Occupation:                                                              your motor vehicle driving license suspended or   
                                                                                  revoked during the last three years or have you  
      f. Specific duties:                                                         been convicted of Driving Under the Influence     
                                                                                  during the last five years?        [ ] Yes [ ] No
      g. Length of time in present position:                                      If 'Yes,' details:                               
                                                                                                                                   
      h. Any change contemplated? [ ] Yes [ ] No                                                                                   
         If 'Yes', details:                                                                                                        
                                                                               -----------------------------------------------------
      i. Is the Primary Insured actively at work at the                  1-13. In the past six months have there been or are    
         customary workplace and actually doing the                            there now pending other negotiations for life or 
         usual duties and functions required by the                            disability insurance?                 [ ] Yes [ ] No
         position during the normal work hours and                             If 'Yes,' list companies, amount, purpose and    
         weekly period?           [ ] Yes [ ] No                               total amount to be purchased.                    
         If 'No', details:                                                                                                         
====================================================================================================================================
</TABLE>
7500(0198) A                                                          Page 1 of
Cat.  No. 45268
<PAGE>   2
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SURVIVORSHIP LIFE INSURANCE APPLICATION - PART A - Continued
====================================================================================================================================
<S>                                                                     <C>
A-1.  PRIMARY INSURED INFORMATION - Continued                                 (The Agent will provide you with any Replacement
      (If 'Yes', is selected for questions 1-14, 1-15 or 1- 16,               forms required by law.)
      complete form 1480, Avocation, Aviation & Foreign                 1-18. Has there been or will there be a lapse,       
      Travel Supplemental Application.)                                       surrender, replacement, reissue, conversion,   
                                                                              or change to reduce amount, premium or period of 
1-14. Have you within the last three years participated in                    coverage of any existing life, disability or 
      or do you intend to participate in any motor powered                    annuity contract if the applied for policy or
      racing, scuba, skin or sky diving, rodeos, hang                         rider is issued?                      [ ] Yes [ ] No
      gliding, or any other avocation generally considered                    If 'Yes,' list Company Name(s) and Policy         
      hazardous?                              [ ] Yes [ ] No                  Number(s):  
      ------------------------------------------------------------      
1-15. Have you within the last three years been or do you have          
      any intention of becoming a pilot, student pilot or crew
      member of any type of aircraft?         [ ] Yes [ ] No
      ------------------------------------------------------------            ------------------------------------------------------
1-16. Do you intend to travel or reside outside the USA for             1-19. Will there be any substantial borrowing on any life
      more than two weeks in a year?          [ ] Yes [ ] No                  insurance policy if the applied for policy or rider
      ------------------------------------------------------------            is issued?                            [ ] Yes [ ] No
1-17. Are there any insolvency or bankruptcy proceedings                      If 'Yes,' list Company Name(s) and Policy Number(s):
      now pending against the Primary Insured, or has
      there been any such proceedings during the last
      seven years?                            [ ] Yes [ ] No

      ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1-20. LIFE INSURANCE IN FORCE ON LIFE OF PRIMARY INSURED: Indicate Type of Insurance: B = Business, G = Group,
      P = Personal.  MUST indicate 'None,' if no insurance.         
<CAPTION>
      <S>                    <C>        <C>                  <C>                   <C>                      <C>             <C>
                                                                Total Coverage
                                         Total Amount            Protected by       Total Accidental        Date of         Paid to
      Company Name:          Type:       Life Insurance:      Waiver of Premiums:    Death Benefit:         Issue:          Date:
                                         $                   $                     $




- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------





====================================================================================================================================
</TABLE>
7500(0198)A                                                      Page 2 of
<PAGE>   3
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SURVIVORSHIP LIFE INSURANCE APPLICATION - PART A - Continued                    
====================================================================================================================================
<S>                                                                    <C>
A-2.  SECONDARY INSURED INFORMATION

2.1.  Name: (Print first, middle, last)                                 2-9.  Smoker Status: Does the Secondary Insured now
                                                                              use nicotine products in any form (including
      ----------------------------------------------------                    cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, smokeless
2.2.  Social Security Number:                                                 tobacco, pipe, "the patch", snuff or nicotine gum) or
                                                                              has the Primary Insured used nicotine products in
      ----------------------------------------------------                    any form within the last 12 months? 
2.3.  Birthdate: (mm/dd/yyyy)                                                                                        [ ] Yes [ ] No
                                                                              If 'Yes,' details:
      ----------------------------------------------------                                      
2.4.  Birthplace: (State or Foreign Country)

      ----------------------------------------------------
2.5.  Sex:     [ ] Male      [ ] Female

      ----------------------------------------------------                    ------------------------------------------------------
2.6.  Issue Policy at age:                                              2-10. Have you ever applied for life, health or disability
                                                                              insurance or reinstatement of life, health or
      ----------------------------------------------------                    disability insurance which was declined, postponed,
2-7.  Residence Address: (Give street and number, city                        rated or modified in any way?          [ ] Yes [ ] No
      or town, state and zip code.)                                           If 'Yes,' details:

      ----------------------------------------------------
2-8.  Employment Information:                                           2-11. Are you or do you have any intention of becoming
                                                                              a member of a military organization?   [ ] Yes [ ] No
      a. Employer:                                                            If 'Yes,' details:

      b. Kind of Business:

      c. Business Address:                                                    ------------------------------------------------------
                                                                        2-12. a. Driver's License Number:
      d. How long employed by present employer:                                                          ---------------------------
                                                                              b. State Licensed in:
      e. Occupation:                                                                               ---------------------------------
                                                                              c. Have you had any moving vehicle violations or had
      f. Specific duties:                                                        your motor vehicle driving license suspended or
                                                                                 revoked during the last three years or have you
      g. Length of time in present position:                                     been convicted of Driving Under the Influence
                                                                                 during the last five years?         [ ] Yes [ ] No
      h. Any change contemplated?       [ ] Yes [ ] No                           If 'Yes,' details:                                 
         If 'Yes', details:

                                                                              ------------------------------------------------------
      i. Is the Secondary Insured actively at work at the               2-13. In the past six months have there been or are there
         customary workplace and actually doing the                           now pending other negotiations for life or disability
         usual duties and functions required by the                           insurance?                             [ ] Yes [ ] No
         position during the normal work hours and                            If 'Yes,' list companies, amount, purpose and total
         weekly period?                 [ ] Yes [ ] No                        amount to be purchased.
         If 'No', details:





====================================================================================================================================
</TABLE>
7500(0198)A                                                    Page 3 of
<PAGE>   4
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SURVIVORSHIP LIFE INSURANCE APPLICATION - PART A - Continued
====================================================================================================================================
<S>                                                                      <C>
A-2.  SECONDARY INSURED INFORMATION - Continued                               (The Agent will provide you with any Replacement
                                                                              forms required by law.)
      (If 'Yes', is selected for questions 1-14, 1-15 or 1-16,
      complete form 1480, Avocation, Aviation & Foreign                 2-18. Has there been or will there be a lapse, surrender,
      Travel Supplemental Application.)                                       replacement, reissue, conversion, or change to reduce
                                                                              amount, premium or period of coverage of any existing
2-14. Have you within the last three years participated in                    life, disability or annuity contract if the applied
      or do you intend to participate in any motor powered                    for policy or rider is issued?          [ ] Yes [ ] No
      racing, scuba, skin or sky diving, rodeos, hang gliding,
      or any other avocation generally considered                             If 'Yes,' list Company Name(s) and Policy Number(s):
      hazardous?                              [ ] Yes [ ] No         
      ---------------------------------------------------------------
2-15. Have you within the last three years been or do you
      have any intention of becoming a pilot, student pilot
      or crew member of any type of aircraft? [ ] Yes [ ] No                                                                        
      ---------------------------------------------------------------         ------------------------------------------------------
2-16. Do you intend to travel or reside outside the USA for             2-19. Will there be any substantial borrowing on any life
      more than two weeks in a year?          [ ] Yes [ ] No                  insurance policy if the applied for policy or rider
                                                                              is issued?                              [ ] Yes [ ] No
      ---------------------------------------------------------------                                                               
2-17. Are there any insolvency or bankruptcy proceedings                      If 'Yes,' list Company Name(s) and Policy Number(s):
      now pending against the Primary Insured, or has
      there been any such proceedings during the last
      seven years?                            [ ] Yes [ ] No

      ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2-20. LIFE INSURANCE IN FORCE ON LIFE OF SECONDARY INSURED: Indicate Type of Insurance: B = Business, G =
      Group, P = Personal.  MUST indicate 'None,' if no insurance.
<CAPTION>
      <S>                 <C>        <C>                  <C>                   <C>                    <C>          <C>
                                                            Total Coverage
                                       Total Amount          Protected by         Total Accidental     Date of      Paid to
      Company Name:        Type:       Life Insurance:    Waiver of Premiums:      Death Benefit:      Issue:       Date:
                                       $                  $                       $





- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------





====================================================================================================================================
</TABLE>
7500(0198)A                                                        Page 4  of
<PAGE>   5
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SURVIVORSHIP LIFE INSURANCE APPLICATION - PART A - Continued                    
====================================================================================================================================
<S>                                                                    <C>                                    
B.   POLICY INFORMATION:                                               7.  Additional Variable Product Options: Continued
  1. Plan:                                                                 (Complete only for SVUL & SUL products.)
                                                                           b. Are the two Proposed Insureds legally married to
     -------------------------------------------------------                  each other?                         [ ] Yes [ ] No
  2. Sex Issue Class: (Check one.)                                                                                      
     [ ] Sex Distinct                                                         (This question must be answered if either EPR or PSO
     [ ] Sex Neutral                                                          is requested.)                                        
     -------------------------------------------------------               ---------------------------------------------------------
                                                                           c. Federal Income Tax Qualification as Life Insurance:
  3. Amount: $
                                                                              [ ]  Guideline Premium and Cash Value Corridor
     -------------------------------------------------------                       Test (GLP)
  4. Premium Interval:
     (Check one box and provide requested information.)                       [ ]  Cash Value Accumulation Test (CVAT)            
     [ ] Annual                                    12 Months                       (If CVAT is selected, Death Benefit Option B is
     [ ] Semiannual                                 6 Months                       not available, and no increases in Face Amount 
     [ ] Quarterly                                  3 Months                       may be made on this policy after the Date of   
     [ ] Monthly (may use for SVUL and SUL          1 Month                        Issue.)                                         
         only in Group and Pension cases.)                                ----------------------------------------------------------
     [ ] COM (No., if existing):                    1 Month               d. Death Benefit Option:
                                 -----------------                           [ ] Option A - Face Amount
     [ ] Single Premium                                                      [ ] Option B - Face Amount, plus Accumulated Value
                       --------------------------------------                     (Not available if CVAT is elected.)               
     --------------------------------------------------------             ----------------------------------------------------------
  5. Special Billing Type:                                                e. Planned Periodic Premium:
     (Not applicable for Qualified Retirement Business)                        $                                                    
                                                                          ----------------------------------------------------------
     [ ] Group No.:                                                    8. Additional Traditional Product Options:
                   -----------------------------------------                                                     
         Payroll Deduction            [ ] Yes [ ] No                      (Complete only for Traditional Joint Life products.)
     [ ] Government Allotment                                             a. Additional Benefits:
     -------------------------------------------------------                                     
  6. Send premium notices to: (Check one box)                                [ ] Annual Premium (APAR)    $
     [ ] Residence (A-1-7)           [ ] Residence (A-2-7)                                                 -------------------------
     [ ] Business (A-1-8.c.)         [ ] Business (A-2-8.c.)                      [ ] Payable on a Modal Basis
     [ ] Owner                                                               [ ] Single Premium (SPAR)    $
     [ ] Other: (Give name and address.)                                     [ ] Rider for Split of Policy  ------------------------
                                                                                    Are the two Proposed Insureds legally
                                                                                    married to each other?        [ ] Yes [ ] No
                                                                             [ ] Rider for Exchange to New Insureds
                                                                             [ ] Other:                                            
     -------------------------------------------------------               ---------------------------------------------------------
  7. Additional Variable Product Options:                                  b. Life insurance policy loan interest rate:
    (Complete only for SVUL & SUL products.)                                  Variable Limit on loan interest rate, if any _____ %
    a.  Additional Benefits:                                               ---------------------------------------------------------
        [ ] Additional Protection                                          c. Automatic payment of premium is: [ ] requested
              Benefit (APB)             $                                                                      [ ] not requested
        [ ] Automatic Increase           -------------------               ---------------------------------------------------------
              Rider (AIR)               %                                  d. Use of Dividends: (Check one box and provide
                                         -------------------                  requested information.)
        [ ] Enhanced Death Benefit Rider (EDBR)                               [ ] Cash
              Target Age                                                      [ ] Applied
                        ------------------                                    [ ] Held
        [ ]  Estate Preservation                                              [ ] Additions
              Rider (EPR)               $                                     [ ] Dividend Protection Riders: (Check one box.)
                                         -------------------                         [ ] One Yr. Term + Adds = $
                                                                                                                --------------------
        [ ] Extended Maturity Rider (EMR)                                                (Flex Term I / B Decreasing
        [ ] Guaranteed Death Benefit (GDB) (SVUL only)             
        [ ] Rider for Split of Policy (PSO)                                          [ ] One Yr. Term = $                     , Adds
        [ ] Term Rider                                                                                   --------------------
              Primary Insured           $                                                (Flex Term II / A Level)
                                         -------------------                  [ ] Dividend Term Option balance to:
              Secondary Insured         $                                                                         ------------------
                                         -------------------                                                                        
        [ ] Other:                                                 
                                                                   
                                                                   

====================================================================================================================================
</TABLE>
7500(0198)A                                         Page 5 of
<PAGE>   6
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SURVIVORSHIP LIFE INSURANCE APPLICATION - PART A - Continued                    
====================================================================================================================================
<S>                                                                                                                            <C>
B.    POLICY INFORMATION: Continued
      9. Qualified Retirement Business ONLY:
         a. Issue Date: (mm/dd/yyyy)
                                    ----------------------
         b. Underwriting Class (Check one box.)
            [ ] Full Underwriting
            [ ] Guaranteed Issue
            [ ] Automatic Issue
            [ ] Simplified Underwriting (If either question 1 or 2 is answered
                'Yes,'give the following details in the space provided:  Nature
                of ailment, date, duration, and names and addresses of
                attending physicians.)

                   1. Have you been admitted to a hospital or medical facility
                      in the past 90 days or been advised in the past 90 days
                      by a member of the medical profession to be admitted to
                      a hospital or medical facility?

                                     Primary Proposed Insured
                                          [ ] Yes [ ] No

                                     Secondary Proposed Insured
                                          [ ] Yes [ ] No

                   2. In the past two years have you been treated for or
                      advised by a member of the medical profession to seek
                      treatment for heart problems (including angina), stroke,
                      or cancer, or been treated for or diagnosed as having
                      AIDS or AIDS Related Complex (ARC)?

                                      Primary Proposed Insured
                                          [ ] Yes [ ] No

                                      Secondary Proposed Insured
                                          [ ] Yes [ ] No





====================================================================================================================================
</TABLE>
7500(0198)A                                                           Page 6 of
<PAGE>   7
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SURVIVORSHIP LIFE INSURANCE APPLICATION - PART A - Continued                    
====================================================================================================================================
<S>                                                               <C>
C. INVESTMENT INFORMATION: (For SVUL use ONLY)                     C. INVESTMENT INFORMATION: Continued
   1. Has the Applicant received a prospectus?                        6. Dollar Cost Averaging:
                                      [ ] Yes [ ] No                     Once each month, the Accumulated Value in the
      -------------------------------------------------------            amount designated below is to be transferred from
   2. Does the Applicant understand that the Cash                        the Money Market Sub-Account to the other
      Surrender Value and Death Benefit may increase or                  Sub-Accounts as apportioned below.
      decrease based on the policy's investment return?                  a. Allocation:
                                      [ ] Yes [ ] No                     (The total allocation amount may not be less than $100.)

      -------------------------------------------------------            MARKET STREET FUND:
   3. Does the Applicant believe that this policy will meet              $         Common Stock Sub-Account
      his or her insurance needs and financial objectives?                ---------
                                      [ ] Yes [ ] No                     $         Aggressive Growth Sub-Account
      -------------------------------------------------------             ---------                             
   4. Allocation:                                                        $         Managed Sub-Account
   a. Allocate net premium accordingly: (Use only whole                   ---------
      percentages. If a fund is chosen, allocation may not               $         Bond Sub-Account
      be less than 5%.)                                                   ---------
      MARKET STREET FUND:                                                $         International Sub-Account
      %     Money Market Sub-Account                                      ---------
       -----                                                             $         Sentinel Growth Sub-Account
      %     Common Stock Sub-Account                                      ---------
       -----                                                             FIDELITY INVESTMENTS (VIP FUNDS):
      %     Aggressive Growth Sub-Account                                $         Equity-Income Sub-Account
       -----                                                              ---------                         
      %     Managed Sub-Account                                          $         Overseas Sub-Account
       -----                                                              ---------                    
      %     Bond Sub-Account                                             $         Growth Sub-Account
       -----                                                              ---------                  
      %     International Sub-Account                                    $         High Income Sub-Account
       -----                                                              ---------                       
      %     Sentinel Growth Sub-Account                                  $         Index 500 Sub-Account
       -----                                                              ---------                     
      FIDELITY INVESTMENTS (VIP FUNDS):                                  $         Contrafund Sub-Account
      %     Equity-Income Sub-Account                                     ---------     
       -----                                                             THE ALGER AMERICAN FUND:
      %     Overseas Sub-Account                                         $         Growth Sub-Account
       -----                                                              ---------                  
      %     Growth Sub-Account                                           $         Small Capitalization Sub-Account
       -----                                                              ---------                                
      %     High Income Sub-Account                                      STRONG CAPITAL FUNDS:
       -----                                                             $         Strong Opportunity Sub-Account
      %     Index 500 Sub-Account                                         ---------
       -----                                                             $         Strong Growth Sub-Account
      %     Contrafund Sub-Account                                        ---------
       -----                                                             VAN ECK WORLDWIDE FUND:
      THE ALGER AMERICAN FUND:                                           $         Worldwide Bond Sub-Account
      %     Growth Sub-Account                                            ---------
       -----                                                                       
      %     Small Capitalization Sub-Account                             OTHER: (As available.)
       -----                                                                                   
      STRONG CAPITAL FUNDS:                                              $
      %     Strong Opportunity Sub-Account                                --------- ------------------------------------------------
       -----                                                             $
      %     Strong Growth Sub-Account                                     --------- ------------------------------------------------
       -----                                                             $                                                          
      VAN ECK WORLDWIDE FUND:                                             --------- ------------------------------------------------
      %     Worldwide Bond Sub-Account                                   $                       
       -----                                                              --------- ------------------------------------------------
      %100 TOTAL                                                         $          TOTAL ALLOCATION:   
      ------------------------------------------------------             -----------------------------------------------------------
      b. Does the Applicant elect that all Monthly Deduction          7. Telephone Transaction Privilege:      
         charges be deducted from the Money Market                       Does the Applicant authorize the Company to accept        
         Sub-Account to the extent the Accumulated Value                 telephoned requests by the Owner to:                      
         in such Sub-Account is sufficient to pay such charges?           * Transfer unloaned Accumulated Value among the          
                                              [ ] Yes [ ] No                General Account and Sub-Accounts of the Separate        
         Otherwise, the Monthly Deduction charges will be                   Account; and                                           
         deducted from all Sub-Accounts of the Separate                   * Effect Policy Loans up to $10,000 and;                 
         Account in proportion to the distribution of the                 * Change the premium allocation percentages; and         
         Accumulated Value on the date of the deduction.                  * Change the distribution of fund allocations            
      ------------------------------------------------------                according to the Portfolio Rebalancing feature?        
   5. Portfolio Rebalancing:                                                                                                       
      a. Does the Applicant request Portfolio Rebalancing                a. Does the Applicant authorize the Company to            
         through which the Accumulated Values in the                        accept telephone requests by the Owner to:             
         Sub-Accounts of the Separate Account will be                                                                              
         automatically reallocated according to the fund      
         allocation percentages?              [ ] Yes [ ] No  
                                                              
      b. Frequency: [ ] Annual [ ] Semi-Annual [ ] Quarterly  
                                                              
                                                              



====================================================================================================================================

</TABLE>
7500(0198)A                                             Page 7 of
<PAGE>   8
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SURVIVORSHIP LIFE INSURANCE APPLICATION - PART A - Continued                    
====================================================================================================================================
<S>                                                                      <C>
D. OWNER INFORMATION:                                                    D. OWNER INFORMATION: Continued
   1. Owner: (Check one box and provide requested                             [ ] QUALIFIED PENSION OR PROFIT SHARING TRUST
      information.  If Owner is a minor, complete "Limitations                    (Name of Trust Agreement)
      of Ownership," form 1481.  If this is an SVUL Policy, the                                            ------------------------
      Owner may NOT be a minor.)
                                                                                  -------------------------------------------------

      [ ] INSURED (Full name of only one of the Proposed Insureds)                -------------------------------------------------

          ---------------------------------------------------------           [ ] AS PER SUPPLEMENTAL REQUEST.
          while living, otherwise the executors or administrators              ----------------------------------------------------
          of the named Insured's estate.                                    2. Address: (Give street and number, city or town,
                                                                               state and zip code.)
      [ ] OTHER INDIVIDUAL (Name, Date of Birth & Relationship)                

          ---------------------------------------------------------                                
          while living, thereafter (Name, Date of Birth &
          Relationship)                                            

          ---------------------------------------------------------
          contingent owner, while living, and thereafter                    3. Social Security or Taxpayer ID Number if Owner
          (Check one box.)                                                     is other than Insured:
              [ ] Insured.                                                     (Complete IRS form W-9.)
              [ ] Estate of last survivor of the name owners.            -----------------------------------------------------------
                  NOTE: If neither box is checked, the final owner is    E. BENEFICIARY INFORMATION:
                        the estate of last survivor of the named owners.    1. Beneficiary: (Check one box or fill in the  First and
                                                                               Second Beneficiary information.)                    
      [ ] CORPORATION (Full Legal Name)                                        The right to change the beneficiary is reserved.   
                                       ----------------------------            [ ]  CORPORATION described in section D.            
                                                                               [ ]  PARTNERSHIP described in section D.            
          ---------------------------------------------------------            [ ]  LIMITED PARTNERSHIP described in section D.   
          incorporated in (State),                                             [ ]  LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY described in         
                                  ---------------------------------                     section D.                                 
          its successors or assigns.                                           [ ]  TRUST described in section D.                  
      [ ] PARTNERSHIP (Full Legal Name)                                        [ ]  QUALIFIED PENSION OR PROFIT SHARING TRUST      
                                       ----------------------------                     described in section D.                    
                                                                                    NOTE: If the policy is owned by a              
          ---------------------------------------------------------                       qualified pension or profit sharing      
          a partnership of (City & State)                                                 plan, all payments are protected by the  
                                                                                          Spend-thrift Provision.                  
          ---------------------------------------------------------                                                                
          or any successor partnership doing business in said                                                                      
          city under said name.                                                      (Give full names, addresses, dates of         
      [ ] LIMITED PARTNERSHIP (Full Legal Name)                                      birth and relationships to Proposed Insureds.)
                                               --------------------                                                                

          ---------------------------------------------------------                  First -                                       
          a (State),                                                                                                               
                    -----------------------------------------------                                                                
          Limited Partnership, its successors or assigns.                                                                          
      [ ] LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY (Full Legal Name)                                                                              
                                                                                                                                   
          ---------------------------------------------------------                                                                
          a (State),                                                                                                               
                    -----------------------------------------------                  Second -                                      
          Limited Liability Company, its successors or assigns.                                                                    
      [ ] TRUST (Name of Trustee(s))                                                                                               
                                    -------------------------------                                                                
                                                                                                                                   
          ---------------------------------------------------------                          
          trustee(s) under an instrument of trust between
          (Name of Trustor)                                        
                           ----------------------------------------

          ---------------------------------------------------------
          and said trustee(s), named (Name of Trust)

          ---------------------------------------------------------                  Payment will be shared equally by all First
                                                                                     beneficiaries who survive the Insureds; if
          ---------------------------------------------------------                  none, by all Second beneficiaries who so
          and dated (Date of Trust)                                                  survive; if none, payment will be made to
                                   -------------------------------                   the Owner or the Owner's estate.
          as heretofore or hereafter amended if trust is amend-                      
          able, or the successor(s) in said trust or assigns.
                                                                               [ ]   AS PER SUPPLEMENTAL REQUEST.



====================================================================================================================================
</TABLE>
7500(0198)A                                        Page 8 of
<PAGE>   9
SURVIVORSHIP LIFE INSURANCE APPLICATION - PART A - Continued                    
===============================================================================
F. REMARKS:









================================================================================
G. PROPOSED INSUREDS' AGREEMENT: 

   AUTHORIZATION TO RELEASE INFORMATION: 
   We, the Proposed Insureds, hereby authorize any licensed physician, medical
   practitioner, hospital, clinic or other medical or medically related 
   facility, insurance company, the Medical Information Bureau or other 
   organization, institution or person, that has any records or knowledge of 
   us or our health, to give to the National Life Insurance Company or its 
   reinsurers any such information.  We authorize National Life to request a 
   copy of our driving records from the state motor vehicle department.  

   In addition, we authorize the National Life Insurance Company to obtain
   investigative consumer reports.  We also acknowledge receipt of copies of the
   Prenotifications relating to investigative consumer reports and the Medical
   Information Bureau.  

   A photographic copy of this authorization shall be as valid as the original.

=============================================================================
H. PROPOSED INSUREDS' AND APPLICANT'S CERTIFICATION AND AGREEMENT: 

   The statements and answers on Part A of this application are, to the best
   knowledge and belief of the respective Proposed Insureds, complete and true. 
   They, together with the statements and answers on Part B of this application,
   shall be a part of the contract of insurance if one is issued.  The 
   Applicant, if someone other than the Proposed Insureds, agrees to be bound 
   by all statements and answers signed by the Proposed Insureds in Parts A and
   B of this application.

================================================================================
7500(0198)A                                                       Page 9 of
<PAGE>   10
SURVIVORSHIP LIFE INSURANCE APPLICATION - PART A - Continued
================================================================================
I. APPLICANT'S AGREEMENT:

   National Life Insurance Company (the Company) may make administrative
   corrections and changes to this application.  These, if any, are noted on
   the "Application Amendment" page which is attached to the policy at issue.
   Acceptance of any policy issued on this application will ratify and will be
   notice of any such change made.  If the laws where the application is made
   so require, any change of amount, age at issue, class of risk, plan of
   insurance or benefits must be made in writing.

   The Agent taking this application has no authority to make, change or
   discharge any contract hereby applied for.  The Agent may not extend credit
   on behalf of the Company.  No statement made to or information acquired by
   any representative of the Company shall bind the Company unless set out in
   writing in Parts A and B of this application.

   If we have purchased variable insurance coverage and have elected the
   Telephone Transaction Privilege, we appoint the Company as our agent to act
   upon telephoned instructions reasonably believed to be authorized by us.  We
   hereby ratify any telephone instructions so given and consent to the tape
   recording of these instructions.  So long as the Company employs reasonable
   procedures to confirm that the instructions are genuine, we agree that we
   will not hold the Company liable for any unauthorized telephone
   instructions.

   The Company shall incur no liability under any policy issued on this
   application unless and until: 

     a. such policy is delivered to the Owner, and
     b. the first premium is paid prior to any change in either Proposed
        Insured's good health and insurability.

   We have paid $___________________ for Life Insurance with this application, 
   and we have received the Receipt.  We have read the Receipt and understand 
   it.

  ==============================================================================
J. SIGNATURES:

   1. Signed at: (City & State)                      date (mm/dd/yyyy)        .
                               ----------------------                 --------
   2. Sign names in    If Applicant is a Business Entity or Pension or Profit 
      full below:      Sharing Trust, include full legal name and title.
                       If Applicant is a Personal/Business Trust, include
                       "Trustee" in signature.  
                       If Applicant is an Individual other than Proposed 
                       Insureds, print name below Applicant's signature.


<TABLE>
   <S>                                                                   <C>
   PRIMARY PROPOSED                                                      SECONDARY PROPOSED
   INSURED:                                                              INSURED:                                             
   ------------------------------------------------------                -----------------------------------------------------





                                                                         SOLICITING
   APPLICANT:                                                            AGENT:                                               
   ------------------------------------------------------                -----------------------------------------------------





</TABLE>
================================================================================
7500(0198)A                                                    Page 10 of

<PAGE>   1
                                                                  EXHIBIT 8.A.




                       National Life Insurance Company

                              Power of Attorney






        The undersigned hereby appoints Patrick E. Welch, Thomas H. MacLeay or
Rodney A. Buck, or any of them, his attorney-in-fact to execute in his name, and
on his behalf, the National Life second-to-die variable universal life
registration statement on Form S-6, and all amendments thereto, to be filed by
National Life Insurance Company under the Securities Act of 1933.




        /s/ Robert E. Boardman
        ----------------------
        Robert E. Boardman













<PAGE>   1
                                                                  EXHIBIT 8.C




                       National Life Insurance Company

                              Power of Attorney






        The undersigned hereby appoints Patrick E. Welch, Thomas H. MacLeay or
Rodney A. Buck, or any of them, his attorney-in-fact to execute in his name, and
on his behalf, the National Life second-to-die variable universal life
registration statement on Form S-6, and all amendments thereto, to be filed by
National Life Insurance Company under the Securities Act of 1933.




 
        /s/ Benjamin F. Edwards III
        ---------------------------
        Benjamin F. Edwards III

<PAGE>   1
                                                                  EXHIBIT 8.D.




                       National Life Insurance Company

                              Power of Attorney






        The undersigned hereby appoints Patrick E. Welch, Thomas H. MacLeay or
Rodney A. Buck, or any of them, his attorney-in-fact to execute in his name, and
on his behalf, the National Life second-to-die variable universal life
registration statement on Form S-6, and all amendments thereto, to be filed by
National Life Insurance Company under the Securities Act of 1933.




 
        /s/ E. Miles Prentice III
        -------------------------
        E. Miles Prentice III

<PAGE>   1
                                                                  EXHIBIT 8.E.




                       National Life Insurance Company

                              Power of Attorney






        The undersigned hereby appoints Patrick E. Welch, Thomas H. MacLeay or
Rodney A. Buck, or any of them, his attorney-in-fact to execute in his name, and
on his behalf, the National Life second-to-die variable universal life
registration statement on Form S-6, and all amendments thereto, to be filed by
National Life Insurance Company under the Securities Act of 1933.




 
        /s/ A. Gary Shilling
        ----------------------
        A. Gary Shilling

<PAGE>   1
                                                                  EXHIBIT 8.G.




                       National Life Insurance Company

                              Power of Attorney






        The undersigned hereby appoints Patrick E. Welch, Thomas H. MacLeay or
Rodney A. Buck, or any of them, his attorney-in-fact to execute in his name, and
on his behalf, the National Life second-to-die variable universal life
registration statement on Form S-6, and all amendments thereto, to be filed by
National Life Insurance Company under the Securities Act of 1933.




 
        /s/ Roger B. Porter
        ----------------------
        Roger B. Porter

<PAGE>   1
                                                                  EXHIBIT 8.H.




                       National Life Insurance Company

                              Power of Attorney






        The undersigned hereby appoints Patrick E. Welch, Thomas H. MacLeay or
Rodney A. Buck, or any of them, his attorney-in-fact to execute in his name, and
on his behalf, the National Life second-to-die variable universal life
registration statement on Form S-6, and all amendments thereto, to be filed by
National Life Insurance Company under the Securities Act of 1933.




 
        /s/ Thomas R. Williams
        ----------------------
        Thomas R. Williams

<PAGE>   1
                                                                  EXHIBIT 8.J.




                       National Life Insurance Company

                              Power of Attorney






        The undersigned hereby appoints Patrick E. Welch, Thomas H. MacLeay or
Rodney A. Buck, or any of them, her attorney-in-fact to execute in her name, and
on her behalf, the National Life second-to-die variable universal life
registration statement on Form S-6, and all amendments thereto, to be filed by
National Life Insurance Company under the Securities Act of 1933.




 
        /s/ Charles H. Erhart, Jr.
        --------------------------
        Charles H. Erhart, Jr.

<PAGE>   1
                                                                  EXHIBIT 8.K.




                       National Life Insurance Company

                              Power of Attorney






        The undersigned hereby appoints Patrick E. Welch, Thomas H. MacLeay or
Rodney A. Buck, or any of them, her attorney-in-fact to execute in her name, and
on her behalf, the National Life second-to-die variable universal life
registration statement on Form S-6, and all amendments thereto, to be filed by
National Life Insurance Company under the Securities Act of 1933.




 
        /s/ Earle H. Harbison, Jr.
        --------------------------
        Earle H. Harbison, Jr.


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